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Beta-lactam resistance in aerobic faecal flora from general practice patients in the UK

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Abstract

One hundred faecal specimens submitted to a diagnostic laboratory in Edinburgh and found to be negative for gastrointestinal pathogens were examined for the presence of antibiotic-resistant bacteria. The results were compared with findings in the healthy population in the same area. The highest incidence of resistance was observed to cefuroxime (65 %) and ampicillin (60 %). Of the ampicillin-resistant isolates, 62 % could transfer their resistance determinants to a standardEscherichia coli host strain. In 100 % of these transconjugants ampicillin resistance was shown to result from the presence of the TEM-1 β-lactamase which was identified in a heterogeneity of plasmid profiles. These plasmids commonly mediated resistance to streptomycin and tetracycline in addition to ampicillin.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Medical Microbiology, Medical School, University of Edinburgh, Teviot Place, EH8 9AG, Edinburgh, UK

    P. M. A. Shanahan, C. J. Thomson & S. G. B. Amyes

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  1. P. M. A. Shanahan
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  2. C. J. Thomson
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  3. S. G. B. Amyes
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Shanahan, P.M.A., Thomson, C.J. & Amyes, S.G.B. Beta-lactam resistance in aerobic faecal flora from general practice patients in the UK. Eur. J. Clin. Microbiol. Infect. Dis. 13, 760–763 (1994). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF02276062

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