Transfer of Newly Identified Antibiotic Resistance Genes between Bacteria in Different Gut and Non Gut Environments

Gut microbial communities are potentially a key site for gene flow between environmental bacteria, commensal and pathogenic gut bacteria. The recent identification of novel, highly homologous, tetracycline resistance genes in several of the predominant genera of gut bacteria provides an important opportunity to analyse the mechanisms and extent of gene flow. <P>
In addition to describing new classes of transposable elements in Gram positive species this research will use flanking sequences and internal abR gene sequences to give information in the recent history if TcR gene exchange amongst these bacterial groups, and thus on the role of the commensal flora in harbouring resistance transferable to pathogens.