SREL Reprint #2973

Co-selection of antibiotic and metal resistance

Craig Baker-Austin1, Meredith S. Wright1,2, Ramunas Stepanauskas3, and J. V. McArthur1

1Savannah River Ecology Laboratory, Drawer E, SC 29803, USA
2Institute of Ecology, University of Georgia, Athens, GA 30602, USA
3Bigelow Laboratory for Ocean Sciences, West Boothbay Harbor, ME 04575, USA

Abstract: There is growing concern that metal contamination functions as a selective agent in the proliferation of antibiotic resistance. Documented associations between the types and levels of metal contamination and specific patterns of antibiotic resistance suggest that several mechanisms underlie this co-selection process. These co-selection mechanisms include co-resistance (different resistance determinants present on the same genetic element) and cross-resistance (the same genetic determinant responsible for resistance to antibiotics and metals). Indirect but shared regulatory responses to metal and antibiotic exposure such as biofilm induction also represent potential co-selection mechanisms used by prokaryotes. Metal contamination, therefore, represents a long-standing, widespread and recalcitrant selection pressure with both environmental and clinical importance that potentially contributes to the maintenance and spread of antibiotic resistance factors.

SREL Reprint #2973

Baker, C. A., M. S. Wright, R. Stepanauskas, and J. V. McArthur. 2006. Co-selection of antibiotic and metal resistance. Trends in Microbiology 14:176-182.

This information was provided by the University of Georgia's Savannah River Ecology Laboratory (srel.uga.edu).