The complete genome, comparative and functional analysis of Stenotrophomonas maltophilia reveals an organism heavily shielded by drug resistance determinants
2008

Complete Genome Analysis of Stenotrophomonas maltophilia

publication Evidence: high

Author Information

Author(s): Lisa C Crossman, Virginia C Gould, J Maxwell Dow, Georgios S Vernikos, Aki Okazaki, Mohammed Sebaihia, David Saunders, Claire Arrowsmith, Tim Carver, Nicholas Peters, Ellen Adlem, Arnaud Kerhornou, Angela Lord, Lee Murphy, Katharine Seeger, Robert Squares, Simon Rutter, Michael A Quail, Mari-Adele Rajandream, David Harris, Carol Churcher, Stephen D Bentley, Julian Parkhill, Nicholas R Thomson, Matthew B Avison

Primary Institution: The Wellcome Trust Sanger Institute

Hypothesis

The complete genome sequence of Stenotrophomonas maltophilia reveals its potential as a reservoir of antibiotic resistance determinants.

Conclusion

The study indicates that Stenotrophomonas maltophilia can act as a reservoir of antimicrobial drug resistance determinants in clinical environments.

Supporting Evidence

  • The genome of S. maltophilia K279a is 4,851,126 bp and has a high G+C content.
  • S. maltophilia possesses multiple genes conferring resistance to various antimicrobial drugs.
  • Functional genomic analysis confirms a role in drug resistance for several novel RND efflux pumps.
  • The organism has mobile regions of DNA that may contribute to its resistance.
  • S. maltophilia can provide antibiotic resistance protection for nearby sensitive strains.

Takeaway

Scientists studied a germ called Stenotrophomonas maltophilia and found it has many ways to resist antibiotics, making it hard to treat infections.

Methodology

The genome was sequenced and analyzed for drug resistance genes and mobile genetic elements.

Digital Object Identifier (DOI)

10.1186/gb-2008-9-4-r74

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