Natural genetic transformation of clinical isolates of Escherichia coli in urine and water.
Transfer of plasmid-borne antibiotic resistance genes in Escherichia coli wild-type strains is possible by transformation under naturally occurring conditions in oligotrophic, aquatic environments containing physiologic concentrations of calcium. In contrast, transformation is suppressed in nitrogen-rich body fluids like urine, a common habitat of uropathogenic strains. Current knowledge indicates that transformation of these E. coli wild-type strains is of no relevance for the acquisition of resistance in this clinically important environment.
Woegerbauer
Markus
M
Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Internal Medicine I, University of Vienna, 1090 Vienna, Austria. markus.woegerbauer@akh-wien.ac.at
Jenni
Bernard
B
Thalhammer
Florian
F
Graninger
Wolfgang
W
Burgmann
Heinz
H
D002122:Calcium Chloride; D004926:Escherichia coli / Q000235:genetics* / Q000254:growth & development / Q000302:isolation & purification; D006801:Humans; D008900:Mineral Waters / Q000382:microbiology*; D014169:Transformation, Bacterial; D014556:Urine / Q000382:microbiology*
D008900:Mineral Waters; D002122:Calcium Chloride