Structure and Distribution of an Unusual Chimeric Genetic Element Encoding Macrolide Resistance in Phylogenetically Diverse Clones of Group A Streptococcus

David J. Banks, Stephen F. Porcella, Kent D. Barbian, Judith M. Martin, James M. Musser

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

78 Scopus citations

Abstract

The resistance of group A Streptococcus (GAS) to macrolide antibiotics is now a worldwide problem. Preliminary sequencing of the genome of an erythromycin-resistant serotype M6 clone that was responsible for a pharyngitis outbreak in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, was conducted to determine the structure of the genetic element containing the mefA gene, which encodes a macrolide efflux protein. The mefA gene is associated with a 58.8-kb chimeric genetic element composed of a transposon inserted into a prophage. This element also encodes a putative extracellular protein with a cell-wall anchoring motif (LPKTG) located at the carboxyterminus. The mefA element was present in phylogenetically diverse GAS strains isolated throughout the United States. Culture supernatants, prepared after mitomycin C treatment, of a strain representing the outbreak clone contained mefA element DNA in a DNAse-resistant form. Together, these data provide new information about the molecular genetic basis of macrolide resistance and dissemination in GAS strains.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)1898-1908
Number of pages11
JournalJournal of Infectious Diseases
Volume188
Issue number12
DOIs
StatePublished - Dec 15 2003

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Immunology and Allergy
  • Infectious Diseases

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