Absence of role for plasmids in resistance to multiple disinfectants in three strains of bacteria.
Three chlorhexidine-resistant strains, two of Achromobacter xylosoxidans, one of Pseudomonas cepacia, were isolated from clinical sources. The three strains showed cross-resistance to benzethonium chloride, benzalkonium chloride and alkyldiaminoethylglycine. Resistance persisted after treatment of the strains with acridine orange (12.5 mg-25 mg l-1). Conjugation to appropriate recipients of Escherichia coli was unsuccessful and plasmid DNA could not be detected. These results suggest that plasmids do not play a role in resistance to multiple disinfectants in the strains of bacteria studied.
Nagai
I
I
Surgical Centre, Ehime University Hospital, University School of Medicine, Japan.
Ogase
H
H
D000421:Alcaligenes / Q000187:drug effects* / Q000235:genetics; D004202:Disinfectants / Q000494:pharmacology*; D004352:Drug Resistance, Microbial / Q000235:genetics*; D011549:Pseudomonas / Q000187:drug effects* / Q000235:genetics; D011815:R Factors
D004202:Disinfectants