This study systematically analyzed the distribution of antibiotic resistance genes in Kocuria species and validated the functional activity of these resistance genes through phenotypic experiments. The research reveals the transmission dynamics of resistance genes across different ecological niches, which holds significant implications for monitoring antibiotic resistance genes in the food industry and medical fields.
Literature Overview
This article, titled 'Distribution of Antibiotic Resistance Genes in Kocuria Species', published in the journal Antibiotics, reviews and summarizes the distribution of antibiotic resistance genes in Kocuria species. The study analyzed whole-genome sequencing data from 258 Kocuria strains using bioinformatics tools, identified multiple antibiotic resistance genes, and validated their functions through phenotypic experiments. The article further explores potential mechanisms by which Kocuria strains acquire resistance genes, such as horizontal gene transfer, and highlights the adaptive evolution of this bacterial genus to multiple antibiotics in environments such as food processing, clinical settings, and municipal waste. The research provides a theoretical basis for monitoring and controlling the spread of resistance genes.
Background Knowledge
Kocuria species are Gram-positive bacteria widely present in natural environments and are generally considered normal skin and mucosal flora. However, recent reports have increasingly identified them as opportunistic pathogens. These bacteria can cause infectious diseases such as bacteremia, endocarditis, and endophthalmitis, particularly in immunosuppressed individuals. Antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs) are central to antibiotic resistance, and their spread primarily occurs through horizontal gene transfer. In environments with high antibiotic selection pressure, such as food processing facilities, clinical settings, and municipal waste sites, Kocuria species may serve as carriers and transmitters of resistance genes. Current research focuses on deciphering the distribution patterns and phenotypic expression of these resistance genes to elucidate their evolutionary pathways and resistance mechanisms, thus providing a foundation for combating antibiotic resistance in both food industry and clinical applications.
Research Methods and Experiments
This study downloaded whole-genome sequencing data of 258 Kocuria strains from the NCBI RefSeq database and used bioinformatics tools, such as BLAST+, to identify genes associated with antibiotic resistance, including 23S rRNA modifying enzymes, β-lactamases, and APH. Subsequently, a phylogenetic tree was constructed to analyze the distribution of resistance genes across different species. Additionally, phenotypic resistance experiments were conducted on five Kocuria strains (K. carniphila 988, K. rhizophila 155, K. rosea 394, K. rosea 397, and the standard strain K. rhizophila ATCC 9341), where MIC50 values were determined at varying antibiotic concentrations to confirm the functional expression of the identified resistance genes. Genome data quality was assessed using MIGA and TYGS tools to ensure data integrity and taxonomic accuracy.
Key Conclusions and Perspectives
Research Significance and Prospects
This study reveals the widespread existence and functional expression of antibiotic resistance genes in Kocuria species, offering new data support for resistance monitoring in food processing, clinical medicine, and environmental microbiology. Future research could further investigate the regulatory mechanisms of resistance gene expression, the driving factors behind horizontal gene transfer, and the role of biofilms in antibiotic adaptation. Additionally, integrating multi-omics technologies to decipher the dynamic regulatory networks of resistance genes will aid in developing novel strategies to combat resistance.
Conclusion
This study systematically analyzed the distribution of antibiotic resistance genes in Kocuria species and validated their functional resistance through phenotypic experiments. The findings indicate widespread presence of resistance genes across different ecological niches, especially in food processing and municipal waste environments. Although Kocuria species are generally considered non-pathogenic, their ability to carry resistance genes within biofilms positions them as potential mediators of resistance transmission. The study also emphasizes the importance of accurate gene annotation in resistance analysis and suggests increased monitoring and management of resistance genes to prevent their spread to pathogenic microorganisms. These results provide crucial insights into the evolution of resistance genes and offer a theoretical basis for developing resistance control strategies in both the food industry and medical fields.
