Transposition of an antibiotic resistance element in mycobacteria
Article Abstract:
The widespread use of antibiotics has both improved health and caused the emergence of antibiotic-resistant bacteria. In most bacteria, the resistance to antibiotics comes from genes located in plasmids which are passed among organisms with relative freedom. However, until now such plasmids have not been identified in resistant strains of mycobacteria. The mycobacteria, which include the germs which cause tuberculosis and leprosy, can be highly resistant to antibiotics. Although much of their resistance may be accounted for by the special structure of their cell wall, there is also evidence that special antibiotic-resistance genes may be present. Now, working with a strain of bacteria called Mycobacterium fortuitum, researchers have identified a genetic region which confers resistance to the antibiotic sulfonamide. The genetic region is flanked by insertion elements which permit it to move about. The researchers have shown that the region readily transposes in the chromosome of a related species, M. smegmatis. In addition to providing some insight into the antibiotic resistance in these species of mycobacterium, the identification of this resistance element will also simplify laboratory isolation and investigation of mycobacteria. (Consumer Summary produced by Reliance Medical Information, Inc.)
Publication Name: Nature
Subject: Zoology and wildlife conservation
ISSN: 0028-0836
Year: 1990
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Bacteria on the rampage
Article Abstract:
An increased incidence of antibiotic-resistant bacteria can cause an ecological disaster at microbial, cellular and environmental levels. The increased antibiotic-resistance can be transmitted from one bacterial organism to another. Several recommendations for controlling the spread of resistance include improved infection and disease control measures, development of effective antibiotics and vaccines for microbial diseases, and surveillance of antibiotic-resistant bacterial outbreaks.
Publication Name: Nature
Subject: Zoology and wildlife conservation
ISSN: 0028-0836
Year: 1996
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Enzymic activation and transfer of fatty acids as acyl-adenylates in mycobacteria
Article Abstract:
A number of unique complex lipids are generated by the combined action of fatty acid synthases and polyketide synthases. It is observed that 36 annotated fadD genes, adjacent to he PKS genes in the myobacterium tuberculosis genome, form a new class of long-chain fatty acyl-AMP ligases (FAALs)
Publication Name: Nature
Subject: Zoology and wildlife conservation
ISSN: 0028-0836
Year: 2004
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