IMP-type metallo-β-lactamases in Gram-negative bacilli: distribution, phylogeny, and association with integrons

Crit Rev Microbiol. 2011 Aug;37(3):214-26. doi: 10.3109/1040841X.2011.559944. Epub 2011 Mar 29.

Abstract

Twenty-nine IMP-type β-lactamases (IMPs) have been identified in at least 26 species of clinically important Gram-negative bacilli from more than 24 countries/regions. Most of bla(IMP) genes are harbored by class 1 integrons that are usually embedded in transposons and/or plasmids, footnoting their horizontal transfer and worldwide distribution. bla(IMP) genes usually co-exist with other resistance genes, such as aacA, catB, and bla(OXA), resulting in multi-drug resistance. Compared to other gene cassettes, 76.3% of the bla(IMP) gene cassettes are located adjacent to Pc promoter of the class 1 integrons, indicating that the bla(IMP) genes are readily expressed in most of bacterial hosts.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Anti-Bacterial Agents / pharmacology
  • DNA Transposable Elements
  • Gene Transfer, Horizontal
  • Gram-Negative Bacteria / drug effects
  • Gram-Negative Bacteria / enzymology*
  • Gram-Negative Bacteria / genetics*
  • Humans
  • Integrons*
  • Phylogeny*
  • Plasmids
  • beta-Lactam Resistance
  • beta-Lactamases / biosynthesis*
  • beta-Lactamases / genetics*
  • beta-Lactams / pharmacology

Substances

  • Anti-Bacterial Agents
  • DNA Transposable Elements
  • beta-Lactams
  • beta-Lactamases