A TEM-2beta-lactamase encoded on an active Tn1-like transposon in the genome of a clinical isolate of Stenotrophomonas maltophilia

J Antimicrob Chemother. 2000 Dec;46(6):879-84. doi: 10.1093/jac/46.6.879.

Abstract

A constitutively expressed beta-lactamase gene from a clinical isolate of Stenotrophomonas maltophilia, J675Ia, has been cloned. Its DNA sequence is almost identical to that of bla(TEM2) (one nucleotide change) and the expressed enzyme is a Bush type 2a penicillinase with an amino acid sequence identical to that of TEM-2. The bla(TEM) gene was present within a novel Tn1/Tn3-type transposon in the genome of isolate J675Ia and the transposon was able to mobilize bla(TEM) on to the broad host-range conjugative plasmid, R388. When transferred to an Escherichia coli recipient, R388::Tn conferred high-level ampicillin resistance. This represents the first identification of a TEM beta-lactamase in S. maltophilia and the first evidence that this important clinical pathogen is able to act as a reservoir for mobile beta-lactamase genes in the hospital environment.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • DNA Transposable Elements*
  • Genome, Bacterial*
  • Humans
  • Stenotrophomonas maltophilia / enzymology
  • Stenotrophomonas maltophilia / genetics*
  • beta-Lactamases / genetics*

Substances

  • DNA Transposable Elements
  • beta-Lactamases
  • beta-lactamase TEM-2