The msaABCR Operon Regulates Resistance in Vancomycin-Intermediate Staphylococcus aureus Strains
Document Type
Article
Publication Date
11-1-2014
Department
Biological Sciences
School
Biological, Environmental, and Earth Sciences
Abstract
Vancomycin-intermediate Staphylococcus aureus (VISA) strains present an increasingly difficult problem in terms of public health. However, the molecular mechanism for this resistance is not yet understood. In this study, we define the role of the msaABCR operon in vancomycin resistance in three clinical VISA strains, i.e., Mu50, HIP6297, and LIM2. Deletion of the msaABCR operon resulted in significant decreases in the vancomycin MIC (from 6.25 to 1.56 μg/ml) and significant reductions of cell wall thickness in strains Mu50 and HIP6297. Growth of the mutants in medium containing vancomycin at concentrations greater than 2 μg/ml resulted in decreases in the growth rate, compared with the wild-type strains. Mutation of the msaABCR operon also reduced the binding capacity for vancomycin. We conclude that the msaABCR operon contributes to resistance to vancomycin and cell wall synthesis in S. aureus.
Publication Title
Antimicrobial Agents and Chemotherapy
Volume
58
Issue
11
First Page
6685
Last Page
6695
Recommended Citation
Samanta, D.,
Elasri, M. O.
(2014). The msaABCR Operon Regulates Resistance in Vancomycin-Intermediate Staphylococcus aureus Strains. Antimicrobial Agents and Chemotherapy, 58(11), 6685-6695.
Available at: https://aquila.usm.edu/fac_pubs/15142