Effect of ionophore salinomycin on antibiotic resistance in Escherichia coli isolated from dogs.

摘要

Epidemic antimicrobial resistance in various bacteria has been considered as a major threat to human health. In recent decades, tetracycline resistance has increased in Escherichia coli, mostly encoded by tetA gene. This is mainly due to extensive use of this antibiotic or the mobility of resistance genetic elements amongst the bacterial population. Studies have reported the effect of ionophores on the transfer of these elements and, therefore, the resistance profile of the bacteria. An in vivo animal model was developed to assess tetA encoded tetracycline resistance in E. coli in the presence of an ionophore, salinomycin. Results showed similar resistance rates in experimental groups treated with salinomycin and tetracycline and group receiving tetracycline alone. Results were further confirmed by a PCR assay. In summary, no effect of salinomycin was observed on tetracycline resistance pattern of the commensal E. coli isolated from dogs.