ABSTRACT
Objective To investigate the distribution of acquired resistance-related genes and markers of mobile genetic elements, and their relationships in multidrug-resistant Escherichia coli. Methods From October 2008 to March 2009, 28 strains of multidrug-resistant Escherichia coli isolated from urine were collected from the Ningbo First Hospital. Then, 47 kinds of acquired resistance genes to beta-lactams, aminoglycosides, quinolones, 2 kinds of acquired drug efflux gene and 13 kinds of genetic markers of mobile genetic elements: conjugal plasmids, transposons, insertion sequences, and integrons were analyzed by PCR. The index cluster analysis was used to investigate their relationships. Results In 28 strains of Escherichia coli, 7 kinds of acquired beta-lactam-resistance genes, 8 kinds of acquired aminoglycosideresistance genes, 1 kind of acquired drug efflux gene, 2 kinds of genetic markers of conjugal plasmids, 3 kinds of genetic markers of transposon and insertion sequences, 1 kind of genetic marker of integron were detected; but other 46 kinds of genes were not detected. Two clusters, A and B, were divided by index cluster analysis depending on positive genes. Conclusions In this group of Escherichia coli, acquired resistance related genes may be associated with resistant phenotypes of antimicrobial agents. Horizontal transfer of mobile genetic elements may bring rapid spread of resistance of bacterial pathogens, not only among the same kind of pathogens, but also among the different kinds. In addition, index cluster analysis suggests that correlation might exist between acquired resistance-related genes and mobile genetic elements.
