Dissemination of antibiotic resistance genes from antibiotic producers to pathogens

• DOI: 10.1038/ncomms15784
• Publication Date: 2017-06-07T10:03:09Z
• Authors: Xinglin Jiang; Mostafa M. Hashim...; Pep Charusanti; Christian Munck; Kai Blin; Yaojun Tong; Tilmann Weber; Morten O. A. Sommer; Sang Yup Lee
• Keywords: Horizontal Gene Transfer; Bacterial Genetics

It has been hypothesized that some antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs) found in pathogenic bacteria derive from antibiotic-producing actinobacteria. Here we provide bioinformatic and experimental evidence supporting this hypothesis. We identify proteobacteria, including pathogens, appear to be closely related actinobacterial ARGs known confer against clinically important antibiotics. Furthermore, two potential examples of recent horizontal transfer proteobacterial pathogens. Based on evidence, propose experimentally test a 'carry-back' mechanism for the transfer, involving conjugative carrier sequence proteobacteria actinobacteria, recombination with ARG, followed by natural transformation carrier-sandwiched ARG. Our results support existence ancient and, possibly, transfers actinobacteria defined mechanism.