Antibiotic resistance genes in the bacteriophage DNA fraction of human fecal samples

Antimicrob Agents Chemother. 2014;58(1):606-9. doi: 10.1128/AAC.01684-13. Epub 2013 Oct 28.

Abstract

A group of antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs) (blaTEM, blaCTX-M-1, mecA, armA, qnrA, and qnrS) were analyzed by real-time quantitative PCR (qPCR) in bacteriophage DNA isolated from feces from 80 healthy humans. Seventy-seven percent of the samples were positive in phage DNA for one or more ARGs. blaTEM, qnrA, and, blaCTX-M-1 were the most abundant, and armA, qnrS, and mecA were less prevalent. Free bacteriophages carrying ARGs may contribute to the mobilization of ARGs in intra- and extraintestinal environments.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Anti-Bacterial Agents / pharmacology*
  • Bacteriophages / genetics*
  • DNA, Viral / genetics
  • Drug Resistance, Microbial / genetics*
  • Feces / microbiology
  • Humans

Substances

  • Anti-Bacterial Agents
  • DNA, Viral