Study on genic expression of ampC in Serratia marcescens / 中华检验医学杂志

ABSTRACT

Objectives To investigate the properties and distributions of ampC gene among different drug-resistant strains of Serratia marcescens,and the relationship of control gene ampR with AmpC enzymes′ expressions.Methods According to the results of inducting experiment with 1/2 MIC of beta-lactam antibiotics (CTX),three-dimensional testing and isoelectric focusing electrophoresis testing,143 strains of S.marcescens were classified into three groups:including induction group, continuous low-production group and hyperproduction group. In each group, the sequences of ampC and ampR genes were amplified using the method of PCR. The products of PCR were analyzed. The plasmid-mediated beta-lactamases were detected using the method of conjugation experiment.Results Among 143 strains of S.marcescens, the continuous low -production strains, induction strains and hyperproduction strains were 14,103,and 18, respectively.125 and 99 strains were ampC and ampR gene positive, respectively.The detection rate of ampR in hyperproduction group was lower than other groups.5 sites of ampC genes and 4 sites in the Open Reading Frame (ORF) of ampR gene were easily mutated in 5 induction strains and 2 hyperproduction strains.Conclusions The production of inducing drug-resistance of some S.marcescens might be related to mutation of ampC gene encoding AmpC beta-lactamases and the ORF mutation in ampR. The continuous hyperproduction drug-resistance had something to do with deletion mutation in ampR in segmental hyperproduction strains.The plasmid-mediated AmpC enzymes hadn′t been found in S.marcescens.