Beta-lactam resistance in aerobic faecal flora from general practice patients in the UK.
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 standard Escherichia coli host strain. In 100% of these transconjugants ampicillin resistance was shown to result from the presence of the TEM-1 beta-lactamase which was identified in a heterogeneity of plasmid profiles. These plasmids commonly mediated resistance to streptomycin and tetracycline in addition to ampicillin.
Department of Medical Microbiology, Medical School, University of Edinburgh, UK.
P M
PM
Shanahan
C J
CJ
Thomson
S G
SG
Amyes
D000668:Ampicillin Resistance; D000900:Anti-Bacterial Agents / Q000494:pharmacology; D001420:Bacteria, Aerobic / Q000187:drug effects*; D004352:Drug Resistance, Microbial; D005194:Family Practice; D005243:Feces / Q000382:microbiology*; D006801:Humans; D008826:Microbial Sensitivity Tests; D006113:United Kingdom; D018440:beta-Lactam Resistance
D000900:Anti-Bacterial Agents