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Movable genetic elements and antibiotic resistance in enterococci

  • Current Topic: Review
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Abstract

The enterococci possess genetic elements able to move from one strain to another via conjugation. Certain enterococcal plasmids exhibit a broad host range among gram-positive bacteria, but only when matings are performed on solid surfaces. Other plasmids are more specific to enterococci, transfer efficiently in broth, and encode a response to recipient-produced sex phermones. Transmissible non-plasmid elements, the conjugative transposons, are widespread among the enterococci and determine their own fertility properties. Drug resistance, hemolysin, and bacteriocin determinants are commonly found on the various transmissible enterococcal elements. Examples of the different systems are discussed in this review.

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  1. Department of Biological and Materials Sciences, School of Dentistry, and Department of Microbiology/Immunology, School of Medicine, University of Michigan, 48109, Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA

    D. B. Clewell

  2. Molecular Microbiology Unit, 300 North Ingalls Building, University of Michigan, 48103-0402, Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA

    D. B. Clewell

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Clewell, D.B. Movable genetic elements and antibiotic resistance in enterococci. Eur. J. Clin. Microbiol. Infect. Dis. 9, 90–102 (1990). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF01963632

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