Stefan Schwarz1, Anette Loeffler2, Kristina Kadlec1. 1. Institute of Farm Animal Genetics, Friedrich-Loeffler-Institut (FLI), Höltystr. 10, 31535, Neustadt-Mariensee, Germany. 2. Clinical Sciences and Services, The Royal Veterinary College, Hawkshead Lane, Hatfield, Hertfordshire, AL9 7TA, UK.
Abstract
BACKGROUND: Antimicrobial resistance has become a major challenge in veterinary medicine, particularly in the context of bacterial pathogens that play a role in both humans and animals. OBJECTIVES: This review serves as an update on acquired resistance mechanisms in bacterial pathogens of human and animal origin, including examples of transfer of resistant pathogens between hosts and of resistance genes between bacteria. RESULTS: Acquired resistance is based on resistance-mediating mutations or on mobile resistance genes. Although mutations are transferred vertically, mobile resistance genes are also transferred horizontally (by transformation, transduction or conjugation/mobilization), contributing to the dissemination of resistance. Mobile genes specifying any of the three major resistance mechanisms - enzymatic inactivation, reduced intracellular accumulation or modification of the cellular target sites - have been found in a variety of bacteria that may be isolated from animals. Such resistance genes are associated with plasmids, transposons, gene cassettes, integrative and conjugative elements or other mobile elements. Bacteria, including zoonotic pathogens, can be exchanged between animals and humans mainly via direct contact, but also via dust, aerosols or foods. Proof of the direction of transfer of resistant bacteria can be difficult and depends on the location of resistance genes or mutations in the chromosomal DNA or on a mobile element. CONCLUSION: The wide variety in resistance and resistance transfer mechanisms will continue to ensure the success of bacterial pathogens in the future. Our strategies to counteract resistance and preserve the efficacy of antimicrobial agents need to be equally diverse and resourceful.
BACKGROUND: Antimicrobial resistance has become a major challenge in veterinary medicine, particularly in the context of bacterial pathogens that play a role in both humans and animals. OBJECTIVES: This review serves as an update on acquired resistance mechanisms in bacterial pathogens of human and animal origin, including examples of transfer of resistant pathogens between hosts and of resistance genes between bacteria. RESULTS: Acquired resistance is based on resistance-mediating mutations or on mobile resistance genes. Although mutations are transferred vertically, mobile resistance genes are also transferred horizontally (by transformation, transduction or conjugation/mobilization), contributing to the dissemination of resistance. Mobile genes specifying any of the three major resistance mechanisms - enzymatic inactivation, reduced intracellular accumulation or modification of the cellular target sites - have been found in a variety of bacteria that may be isolated from animals. Such resistance genes are associated with plasmids, transposons, gene cassettes, integrative and conjugative elements or other mobile elements. Bacteria, including zoonotic pathogens, can be exchanged between animals and humans mainly via direct contact, but also via dust, aerosols or foods. Proof of the direction of transfer of resistant bacteria can be difficult and depends on the location of resistance genes or mutations in the chromosomal DNA or on a mobile element. CONCLUSION: The wide variety in resistance and resistance transfer mechanisms will continue to ensure the success of bacterial pathogens in the future. Our strategies to counteract resistance and preserve the efficacy of antimicrobial agents need to be equally diverse and resourceful.
Authors: Fengru Deng; Huiwen Wang; Yifei Liao; Jun Li; Andrea T Feßler; Geovana B Michael; Stefan Schwarz; Yang Wang Journal: Front Microbiol Date: 2017-02-14 Impact factor: 5.640
Authors: Sian Marie Frosini; Ross Bond; Alex J McCarthy; Claudia Feudi; Stefan Schwarz; Jodi A Lindsay; Anette Loeffler Journal: Microorganisms Date: 2020-12-18
Authors: Andrea T Feßler; Anissa D Scholtzek; Angela R Schug; Barbara Kohn; Christiane Weingart; Dennis Hanke; Anne-Kathrin Schink; Astrid Bethe; Antina Lübke-Becker; Stefan Schwarz Journal: Antibiotics (Basel) Date: 2022-01-25
Authors: Stefan Schwarz; Wanjiang Zhang; Xiang-Dang Du; Henrike Krüger; Andrea T Feßler; Shizhen Ma; Yao Zhu; Congming Wu; Jianzhong Shen; Yang Wang Journal: Clin Microbiol Rev Date: 2021-06-02 Impact factor: 50.129