Replicon Typing of Plasmids Encoding Resistance to Newer β-Lactams

Abstract

Polymerase chain reaction–based replicon typing represents a novel method to describe the dissemination and follow the evolution of resistance plasmids. We used this approach to study 26 epidemiologically unrelated Enterobacteriaceae and demonstrate the dominance of incompatibility (Inc) A/C or Inc N-related plasmids carrying some emerging resistance determinants to extended-spectrum cephalosporins and carbapenems.

Keywords

• β-Lactam resistance
• plasmid
• replicon typing
• dispatch
• United States
• Italy