Teicoplanin resistance in Staphylococcus haemolyticus is associated with mutations in histidine kinases VraS and WalK

We investigated the genetic basis of glycopeptide resistance in laboratory-derived strains of S. haemolyticus with emphasis on differences between vancomycin and teicoplanin. The genomes of two stable teicoplanin-resistant laboratory mutants selected on vancomycin or teicoplanin were sequenced and compared to parental S. haemolyticus strain W2/124. Only the two non-synonymous mutations, VraS Q289K and WalK V550L were identified. No other mutations or genome rearrangements were detected. Increased cell wall thickness, resistance to lysostaphin-induced lysis and adaptation of cell growth rates specifically to teicoplanin were phenotypes observed in a sequenced strain with the VraS Q289K mutation.

Source: Diagnostic Microbiology and Infectious Disease - November 16, 2017 Category: Microbiology Authors: Vladimir Vimberg, Jorunn Pauline Cavanagh, Old řich Benada, Olga Kofroňová, Erik Hjerde, Leona Zieglerová, Gabriela Balíková Novotná Source Type: research