A study of the transfer of tetracycline resistance genes between Escherichia coli in the intestinal tract of a mouse and a chicken model
Date
2006
Authors
Hart, W.
Heuzenroeder, M.
Barton, M.
Editors
Advisors
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Type:
Journal article
Citation
Zoonoses and Public Health, 2006; 53(7):333-340
Statement of Responsibility
W. S. Hart, M. W. Heuzenroeder and M. D. Barton
Conference Name
Abstract
Experiments to demonstrate the transfer of genes within a natural environment are technically difficult because of the unknown numbers and strains of bacteria present, as well as difficulties designing adequate control experiments. The results of such studies should be viewed within the limits of the experimental design. Most experiments to date have been based on artificial models, which only give approximations of the real-life situation. The current study uses more natural models and provides information about tetracycline resistance as it occurs in wild-type bacteria within the environment of the normal intestinal tract of an animal. Tetracycline sensitive, nalidixic acid resistant Escherichia coli isolates of human origin were administered to mice and chicken animal models. They were monitored for acquisition of tetracycline resistance from indigenous or administered donor E. coli. Five sets of in vivo experiments demonstrated unequivocal transfer of tetracycline resistance to tetracycline sensitive recipients. The addition of tetracycline in the drinking water of the animals increased the probability of transfer between E. coli strains originating from the same animal species. The co-transfer of unselected antibiotic resistance in animal models was also demonstrated.
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Dissertation Note
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Published Online: 23 Aug 2006
Description
Copyright © 2006 The Authors Journal compilation 2006 Blackwell Verlag, Berlin
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Copyright status unknown