title: Evolutionary relationships among genes for antibiotic resistance.
abstract: The genes that determine resistance to antibiotics are commonly found encoded by extrachromosomal elements in bacteria. These were described first in Enterobacteriaceae and subsequently in a variety of other genera; their spread is associated with the increased use of antibiotics in human and animal medicine. Antibiotic-resistance genes that determine the production of enzymes which modify (detoxify) the antibiotics have been detected in antibiotic-producing organisms. It has been suggested that the producing strains provided the source of antibiotic-resistance genes that were then 'picked-up' by recombination. Recent studies of the nucleotide sequence of certain antibiotic-resistance genes indicate regions of strong homology in the encoded proteins. The implications of these similarities are discussed.
mesh_terms: D000595:Amino Acid Sequence; D000617:Aminoglycosides / Q000494:pharmacology; D000900:Anti-Bacterial Agents / Q000494:pharmacology*; D001419:Bacteria / Q000187:drug effects / Q000235:genetics; D005075:Biological Evolution; D004352:Drug Resistance, Microbial; D005798:Genes, Bacterial; D010957:Plasmids
chemical_list: D000617:Aminoglycosides; D000900:Anti-Bacterial Agents