Production of the Bsa lantibiotic by community-acquired Staphylococcus aureus strains. - Related Documents




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481201.0000Production of the Bsa lantibiotic by community-acquired Staphylococcus aureus strains. Lantibiotics are antimicrobial peptides that have been the focus of much attention in recent years with a view to clinical, veterinary, and food applications. Although many lantibiotics are produced by food-grade bacteria or bacteria generally regarded as safe, some lantibiotics are produced by pathogens and, rather than contributing to food safety and/or health, add to the virulence potential of the producing strains. Indeed, genome sequencing has revealed the presence of genes apparently encoding a lantibiotic, designated Bsa (bacteriocin of Staphylococcus aureus), among clinical isolates of S. aureus and those associated with community-acquired methicillin-resistant S. aureus (MRSA) infections in particular. Here, we establish for the first time, through a combination of reverse genetics, mass spectrometry, and mutagenesis, that these genes encode a functional lantibiotic. We also reveal that Bsa is identical to the previously identified bacteriocin staphylococcin Au-26, produced by an S. aureus strain of vaginal origin. Our examination of MRSA isolates that produce the Panton-Valentine leukocidin demonstrates that many community-acquired S. aureus strains, and representatives of ST8 and ST80 in particular, are producers of Bsa. While possession of Bsa immunity genes does not significantly enhance resistance to the related lantibiotic gallidermin, the broad antimicrobial spectrum of Bsa strongly indicates that production of this bacteriocin confers a competitive ecological advantage on community-acquired S. aureus.201020023032
883910.9996Bacteriophage infection drives loss of β-lactam resistance in methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus. Bacteriophage (phage) therapy is a promising means to combat drug-resistant bacterial pathogens. Infection by phage can select for mutations in bacterial populations that confer resistance against phage infection. However, resistance against phage can yield evolutionary trade-offs of biomedical relevance. Here, we report the discovery that infection by certain staphylococcal phages sensitizes different strains of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) to β-lactams, a class of antibiotics against which MRSA is typically resistant. MRSA cells that survive infection by these phages display significant reductions in minimal inhibitory concentration against different β-lactams compared to uninfected bacteria. Transcriptomic profiling reveals that these evolved MRSA strains possess highly modulated transcriptional profiles, where numerous genes involved in S. aureus virulence are downregulated. Phage-treated MRSA exhibited attenuated virulence phenotypes in the form of reduced hemolysis and clumping. Despite sharing similar phenotypes, whole-sequencing analysis revealed that the different MRSA strains evolved unique genetic profiles during infection. These results suggest complex evolutionary trajectories in MRSA during phage predation and open up new possibilities to reduce drug resistance and virulence in MRSA infections.202540637714
438620.9996Large-scale screening of a targeted Enterococcus faecalis mutant library identifies envelope fitness factors. Spread of antibiotic resistance among bacteria responsible for nosocomial and community-acquired infections urges for novel therapeutic or prophylactic targets and for innovative pathogen-specific antibacterial compounds. Major challenges are posed by opportunistic pathogens belonging to the low GC% gram-positive bacteria. Among those, Enterococcus faecalis is a leading cause of hospital-acquired infections associated with life-threatening issues and increased hospital costs. To better understand the molecular properties of enterococci that may be required for virulence, and that may explain the emergence of these bacteria in nosocomial infections, we performed the first large-scale functional analysis of E. faecalis V583, the first vancomycin-resistant isolate from a human bloodstream infection. E. faecalis V583 is within the high-risk clonal complex 2 group, which comprises mostly isolates derived from hospital infections worldwide. We conducted broad-range screenings of candidate genes likely involved in host adaptation (e.g., colonization and/or virulence). For this purpose, a library was constructed of targeted insertion mutations in 177 genes encoding putative surface or stress-response factors. Individual mutants were subsequently tested for their i) resistance to oxidative stress, ii) antibiotic resistance, iii) resistance to opsonophagocytosis, iv) adherence to the human colon carcinoma Caco-2 epithelial cells and v) virulence in a surrogate insect model. Our results identified a number of factors that are involved in the interaction between enterococci and their host environments. Their predicted functions highlight the importance of cell envelope glycopolymers in E. faecalis host adaptation. This study provides a valuable genetic database for understanding the steps leading E. faecalis to opportunistic virulence.201122194979
479830.9996Acquired vancomycin resistance in clinically relevant pathogens. Acquired resistance to vancomycin is an increasing problem in pathogenic bacteria. It is best studied and most prevalent among Enterococcus and still remains rare in other pathogenic bacteria. Different genotypes of vancomycin resistance, vanA-G, have been described. The different van gene clusters consist of up to nine genes encoding proteins of different functions; their interplay leads to an alternative cell wall precursor less susceptible to glycopeptide binding. Variants of vanA and vanB types are found worldwide, with vanA predominating; their reservoir is Enterococcus faecium. Within this species a subpopulation of hospital-adapted types exists that acquired van gene clusters and which is responsible for outbreaks of vancomycin-resistant enterococci all over the world. Acquisition of vanA by methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) is worrisome and seven cases have been described. Nonsusceptibility to glycopeptides also occurs independently from van genes and is a growing therapeutic challenge, especially in MRSA.200818811239
479040.9995Combating vancomycin resistance in bacteria: targeting the D-ala-D-ala dipeptidase VanX. In the past 20 years, vancomycin and other glycopeptide antibiotics have been administered to patients with Streptococcal and Staphylococcal infections that were resistant to all other antibiotics or to patients who were allergic to penicillins and cephalosporins. After extensive use of vancomycin and other glycopeptide antibiotics in humans, several strains of Enterococcus have developed high-level vancomycin resistance (collectively called VRE, vancomycin-resistant Enterococcus), and this resistance phenotype has spread to other organisms. The spread of vancomycin resistance to other pathogens and, potentially, to bacterial strains on the CDC's bioterrorism watch list is a major biomedical concern. Bacteria most often become resistant to vancomycin by acquiring a transposon containing genes that encode for a number of proteins, five of which are essential for the high-level resistance phenotype. The five essential gene products are called VanR, VanS, VanH, VanA, and VanX. Previous studies have shown that the inactivation of VanX results in an organism that is sensitive to vancomycin and that VanX is an excellent inhibitor target. In this review the known inhibitors and structural and mechanistic properties of VanX will be discussed. These data will be used to offer suggestions for novel, rationally-designed or -redesigned inhibitors, which could potentially be used in combination with existing glycopeptide antibiotics as a treatment for vancomycin-resistant bacterial infections.200616789876
479250.9995Antibiotic resistance in the staphylococci. There has been much interest in the media, international as well as national, on the potential for the development of "superbugs' by which is usually meant pathogenic bacteria resistant to all available antibiotics. Two of the genera most often thought to fall into this category are the staphylococci (MRSA or Methicillin Resistant Staphylococcus aureus) and the enterococci (VRE or Vancomycin Resistant Enterococci) and although this article concentrates on the staphylococci the two share much in the way of transmissible genes.19979161125
624760.9995Molecular basis and evolutionary cost of a novel macrolides/lincosamides resistance phenotype in Staphylococcus haemolyticus. Staphylococcus haemolyticus (S. haemolyticus) is a coagulase-negative Staphylococcus that has become one of the primary causes of nosocomial infection. After a long period of antibiotic use, S. haemolyticus has developed multiple resistance phenotypes for macrolides and lincosamides. Herein, we evaluated four S. haemolyticus clinical isolates, of which three had antibiotic resistance patterns reported previously. The fourth isolate was resistant to both erythromycin and clindamycin in the absence of erythromycin induction. This novel phenotype, known as constitutive macrolides-lincosamides-streptogramins resistance, has been reported in other bacteria but has not been previously reported in S. haemolyticus. Investigation of the isolate demonstrated a deletion in the methyltransferase gene ermC, upstream leader peptide. This deletion resulted in constitutive MLS resistance based on whole-genome sequencing and experimental verification. Continuous expression of ermC was shown to inhibit the growth of S. haemolyticus, which turned out to be the fitness cost with no MLS pressure. In summary, this study is the first to report constitutive MLS resistance in S. haemolyticus, which provides a better understanding of MLS resistance in clinical medicine. IMPORTANCE This study identified a novel phenotype of macrolides/lincosamides resistance in Staphylococcus haemolyticus which improved a better guidance for clinical treatment. It also clarified the mechanistic basis for this form of antibiotic resistance that supplemented the drug resistance mechanism of Staphylococcus. In addition, this study elaborated on a possibility that continuous expression of some resistance genes was shown to inhibit the growth of bacteria themselves, which turned out to be the fitness cost in the absence of antibiotic pressure.202337724875
624970.9995Genome-Wide Identification of Antimicrobial Intrinsic Resistance Determinants in Staphylococcus aureus. The emergence of antimicrobial resistance severely threatens our ability to treat bacterial infections. While acquired resistance has received considerable attention, relatively little is known of intrinsic resistance that allows bacteria to naturally withstand antimicrobials. Gene products that confer intrinsic resistance to antimicrobial agents may be explored for alternative antimicrobial therapies, by potentiating the efficacy of existing antimicrobials. In this study, we identified the intrinsic resistome to a broad spectrum of antimicrobials in the human pathogen, Staphylococcus aureus. We screened the Nebraska Transposon Mutant Library of 1920 single-gene inactivations in S. aureus strain JE2, for increased susceptibility to the anti-staphylococcal antimicrobials (ciprofloxacin, oxacillin, linezolid, fosfomycin, daptomycin, mupirocin, vancomycin, and gentamicin). Sixty-eight mutants were confirmed by E-test to display at least twofold increased susceptibility to one or more antimicrobial agents. The majority of the identified genes have not previously been associated with antimicrobial susceptibility in S. aureus. For example, inactivation of genes encoding for subunits of the ATP synthase, atpA, atpB, atpG and atpH, reduced the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) of gentamicin 16-fold. To elucidate the potential of the screen, we examined treatment efficacy in the Galleria mellonella infection model. Gentamicin efficacy was significantly improved, when treating larvae infected with the atpA mutant compared to wild type cells with gentamicin at a clinically relevant concentration. Our results demonstrate that many gene products contribute to the intrinsic antimicrobial resistance of S. aureus. Knowledge of these intrinsic resistance determinants provides alternative targets for compounds that may potentiate the efficacy of existing antimicrobial agents against this important pathogen.201628066345
839180.9995The Analysis of Field Strains Isolated From Food, Animal and Clinical Sources Uncovers Natural Mutations in Listeria monocytogenes Nisin Resistance Genes. Nisin is a commonly used bacteriocin for controlling spoilage and pathogenic bacteria in food products. Strains possessing high natural nisin resistance that reduce or increase the potency of this bacteriocin against Listeria monocytogenes have been described. Our study sought to gather more insights into nisin resistance mechanisms in natural L. monocytogenes populations by examining a collection of 356 field strains that were isolated from different foods, food production environments, animals and human infections. A growth curve analysis-based approach was used to access nisin inhibition levels and assign the L. monocytogenes strains into three nisin response phenotypic categories; resistant (66%), intermediate (26%), and sensitive (8%). Using this categorization isolation source, serotype, genetic lineage, clonal complex (CC) and strain-dependent natural variation in nisin phenotypic resistance among L. monocytogenes field strains was revealed. Whole genome sequence analysis and comparison of high nisin resistant and sensitive strains led to the identification of new naturally occurring mutations in nisin response genes associated with increased nisin resistance and sensitivity in this bacterium. Increased nisin resistance was detected in strains harboring RsbU(G77S) and PBPB3(V240F) amino acid substitution mutations, which also showed increased detergent stress resistance as well as increased virulence in a zebra fish infection model. On the other hand, increased natural nisin sensitivity was detected among strains with mutations in sigB, vir, and dlt operons that also showed increased lysozyme sensitivity and lower virulence. Overall, our study identified naturally selected mutations involving pbpB3 (lm0441) as well as sigB, vir, and dlt operon genes that are associated with intrinsic nisin resistance in L. monocytogenes field strains recovered from various food and human associated sources. Finally, we show that combining growth parameter-based phenotypic analysis and genome sequencing is an effective approach that can be useful for the identification of novel nisin response associated genetic variants among L. monocytogenes field strains.202033123101
479590.9995Epidemiology and mechanisms of glycopeptide resistance in enterococci. PURPOSE OF REVIEW: This review updates epidemiologic trends and our understanding of glycopeptide resistance in enterococci. RECENT FINDINGS: Colonization and infection rates with vancomycin resistant enterococci continue to increase throughout the world while factors contributing to this rise continue to be defined. While no interventions exist to eradicate colonization, infection control procedures are cost effective and decrease the prevalence of vancomycin resistant enterococcal colonization and infection. New molecular methods show great promise in strengthening our ability to detect colonization with these bacteria. Furthermore, our understanding of the origin of vancomycin resistant enterococci continues to grow. Paenibacillus species found in soil have been found to carry homologues of vanA-associated glycopeptide resistance genes found in enterococci. Also, additional evidence supports previous data that VanB-associated resistance may have been horizontally transferred from gastrointestinal tract bacteria to enterococci. Finally, glycopeptide resistance has been transferred to methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus in clinical practice on several occasions. SUMMARY: The prevalence of vancomycin resistant enterococci will likely continue to increase. Implementation of infection control strategies, in conjunction with deployment of advanced technologies for detection of vancomycin resistant enterococci, may curb this rise. The emergence of vancomycin resistant S. aureus is of concern.200516258324
4796100.9995The specter of glycopeptide resistance: current trends and future considerations. Two glycopeptide antibiotics, vancomycin and teicoplanin, are currently available for clinical use in various parts of the world, whereas a third, avoparcin, is available for use in agricultural applications and in veterinary medicine in some countries. Because of their outstanding activity against a broad spectrum of gram-positive bacteria, vancomycin and teicoplanin have often been considered the drugs of "last resort" for serious infections due to drug-resistant gram-positive pathogens. Glycopeptides had been in clinical use for almost 30 years before high-level resistance, first reported in enterococcal species, emerged. More recently, there have been disturbing reports of low- and intermediate-level resistance to vancomycin in strains of Staphylococcus aureus. A review of earlier reports reveals, however, that S. aureus strains with reduced susceptibility to glycopeptides were first identified >40 years ago. Such strains may occur in nature or may have developed low-level mutational resistance in response to the selection pressure of glycopeptide therapy. Of considerably greater concern is the possibility that vancomycin resistance genes found in enterococci may be transferred to more virulent organisms such as staphylococci or Streptococcus pneumoniae.19989684651
4789110.9995Antimicrobial resistance gene delivery in animal feeds. Avoparcin, a glycopeptide antimicrobial agent related to vancomycin, has been used extensively as a growth promoter in animal feeds for more than 2 decades, and evidence has shown that such use contributed to the development of vancomycin-resistant enterococci. A cluster that includes three genes, vanH, vanA, and vanX, is required for high-level resistance to glycopeptides. In the vancomycin producer Amycolatopsis orientalis C329.2, homologs of these genes are present, suggesting an origin for the cluster. We found substantial bacterial DNA contamination in animal feed-grade avoparcin. Furthermore, nucleotide sequences related to the cluster vanHAX are present in this DNA, suggesting that the prolonged use of avoparcin in agriculture led to the uptake of glycopeptide resistance genes by animal commensal bacteria, which were subsequently transferred to humans.200415200859
4799120.9995Glycopeptide-resistant enterococci: a decade of experience. Since their first description in 1988, glycopeptide-resistant enterococci (GRE) have emerged as a significant cause of nosocomial infections and colonisations, particularly in Europe and the USA. Two major genetically distinct forms of acquired resistance, designated VanA and VanB, are recognised, although intrinsic resistance occurs in some enterococcal species (VanC) and a third form of acquired resistance (VanD) has been reported recently. The biochemical basis of each resistance mechanism is similar; the resistant enterococci produce modified peptidoglycan precursors that show decreased binding affinity for glycopeptide antibiotics. Although VanA resistance is detected readily in the clinical laboratory, the variable levels of vancomycin resistance associated with the other phenotypes makes detection less reliable. Under-reporting of VanB resistance as a result of a lower detection rate may account, in part, for the difference in the numbers of enterococci displaying VanA and VanB resistance referred to the PHLS Laboratory of Hospital Infection. Since 1987, GRE have been referred from >1100 patients in almost 100 hospitals, but 88% of these isolates displayed the VanA phenotype. It is possible that, in addition to the problems of detection, there may be a real difference in the prevalence of VanA and VanB resistance reflecting different epidemiologies. Our present understanding of the genetic and biochemical basis of these acquired forms of glycopeptide resistance has been gained mainly in the last 5 years. However, these relatively new enterococcal resistances appear still to be evolving; there have now been reports of transferable VanB resistance associated with either large chromosomally borne transposons or plasmids, genetic linkage of glycopeptide resistance and genes conferring high-level resistance to aminoglycoside antibiotics, epidemic strains of glycopeptide-resistant Enterococcus faecium isolated from multiple patients in numerous hospitals, and of glycopeptide dependence (mutant enterococci that actually require these agents for growth). The gene clusters responsible for VanA and VanB resistance are located on transposable elements, and both transposition and plasmid transfer have resulted in the dissemination of these resistance genes into diverse strains of several species of enterococci. Despite extensive research, knowledge of the origins of these resistances remains poor. There is little homology between the resistance genes and DNA from either intrinsically resistant gram-positive genera or from the soil bacteria that produce glycopeptides, which argues against direct transfer to enterococci from these sources. However, recent data suggest a more distant, evolutionary relationship with genes found in glycopeptide-producing bacteria. In Europe, VanA resistance occurs in enterococci isolated in the community, from sewage, animal faeces and raw meat. This reservoir suggests that VanA may not have evolved in hospitals, and its existence has been attributed, controversially, to use of the glycopeptide avoparcin as a growth promoter, especially in pigs and poultry. However, as avoparcin has never been licensed for use in the USA and, to date, VanB resistance has not been confirmed in non-human enterococci, it is clear that the epidemiology of acquired glycopeptide resistance in enterococci is complex, with many factors contributing to its evolution and global dissemination.19989788808
4793130.9994Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus in the Oral Cavity: Implications for Antibiotic Prophylaxis and Surveillance. The oral cavity harbors a multitude of commensal flora, which may constitute a repository of antibiotic resistance determinants. In the oral cavity, bacteria form biofilms, and this facilitates the acquisition of antibiotic resistance genes through horizontal gene transfer. Recent reports indicate high methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) carriage rates in the oral cavity. Establishment of MRSA in the mouth could be enhanced by the wide usage of antibiotic prophylaxis among at-risk dental procedure candidates. These changes in MRSA epidemiology have important implications for MRSA preventive strategies, clinical practice, as well as the methodological approaches to carriage studies of the organism.202033402829
4393140.9994Mechanisms of Staphylococcus aureus Antibiotics Resistance Revealed by Adaptive Laboratory Evolution. Infection caused by drug-resistant Staphylococcus aureus is a serious public health and veterinary concern. Lack of a comprehensive understanding of the mechanisms underlying the emergence of drug-resistant strains, it makes S. aureus one of the most intractable pathogenic bacteria. To identify mutations that confer resistance to anti-S. aureus drugs, we established a laboratory-based adaptive evolution system and performed 10 rounds of evolution experiments against 15 clinically used antibiotics. We discovered a panel of known and novel resistance-associated sites after performing whole-genome sequencing. Furthermore, we found that the resistance evolved at distinct rates. For example, streptomycin, rifampicin, fusidic acid and novobiocin all developed significant resistance quickly in the second round of evolution. Intriguingly, the cross-resistance experiment reveals that nearly all drug-resistant strains have varying degrees of increased sensitivity to fusidic acid, pointing to a novel approach to battle AMR. In addition, the in silico docking analysis shows that the evolved mutants affect the interaction of rifampcin-rpoB, as well as the novobiocin-gyrB. Moreover, for the genes we got in the laboratory evolution, mutant genes of clinical isolates of human had significant differences from the environmental isolates and animal isolates. We believe that the strategy and data set in this research will be helpful for battling AMR issue of S. aureus, and adaptable to other pathogenic microbes.202539762552
4422150.9994Diversity among multidrug-resistant enterococci. Enterococci are associated with both community- and hospital-acquired infections. Even though they do not cause severe systemic inflammatory responses, such as septic shock, enterococci present a therapeutic challenge because of their resistance to a vast array of antimicrobial drugs, including cell-wall active agents, all commercially available aminoglycosides, penicillin and ampicillin, and vancomycin. The combination of the latter two occurs disproportionately in strains resistant to many other antimicrobial drugs. The propensity of enterococci to acquire resistance may relate to their ability to participate in various forms of conjugation, which can result in the spread of genes as part of conjugative transposons, pheromone-responsive plasmids, or broad host-range plasmids. Enterococcal hardiness likely adds to resistance by facilitating survival in the environment (and thus enhancing potential spread from person to person) of a multidrug-resistant clone. The combination of these attributes within the genus Enterococcus suggests that these bacteria and their resistance to antimicrobial drugs will continue to pose a challenge.19989452397
4754160.9994Enterococci and streptococci. Besides Staphylococcus aureus, other Gram-positive bacteria have become multidrug-resistant and cause therapeutic problems, particularly amongst hospitalised patients. The acquisition of vancomycin resistance by strains of Enterococcus faecium and Enterococcus faecalis is of particular concern and has resulted in treatment failures. Some of the infections caused by these bacteria do respond to treatment with new antibiotics that have been released in the last few years, however more options are required as not all enterococci are inherently susceptible and resistance is beginning to emerge amongst those that were susceptible. Resistance to commonly used antibiotics is also emerging in Streptococcus spp., particularly to the tetracyclines and macrolides. In both genera, multiresistant strains spread between patients and between hospitals. In the laboratory, these bacteria show considerable susceptibility to tigecycline, with little propensity to develop resistance, indicating that tigecycline could assume an important role in controlling infections caused by these Gram-positive bacteria.200717659211
4797170.9994Antibiotic resistance among clinically important gram-positive bacteria in the UK. The resistance of bacteria to antibiotics, particularly those used for first-line therapy, is an increasing cause for concern. In the UK, the prevalence of resistance to methicillin and mupirocin in Staphylococcus aureus, and to penicillin and macrolides in Streptococcus pneumoniae, appear to be increasing. There has also been an increase in the number of hospitals where glycopeptide-resistant enterococci are known to have been isolated. The increases in methicillin-resistant S. aureus and glycopeptide-resistant enterococci are due, in part, to the inter-hospital spread of epidemic strains. Although new quinolones and streptogramins with activity against Gram-positive bacteria (including strains resistant to currently available agents) are under development, there is no reason to believe that resistance to these agents will not emerge. The control of resistance in Gram-positive bacteria will require a multi-faceted approach, including continued and improved surveillance, a reduction in the unnecessary use of antibiotics, and the application of other strategies such as vaccination.19989777517
6072180.9994Bad to the bone? - Genomic analysis of Enterococcus isolates from diverse environments reveals that most are safe and display potential as food fermentation microorganisms. Enterococci comprise a group of lactic acid bacteria (LAB) with considerable potential to serve as food fermentation microorganisms. Unfortunately, enterococci have received a lot of negative attention, due to the occurrence of pathogenic and multidrug resistant strains. In this study, we used genomics to select safe candidates among the forty-four studied enterococcal isolates. The genomes of the forty-four strains were fully sequenced and assessed for presence of virulence and antibiotic resistance genes. Nineteen isolates belonging to the species Enterococcus lactis, Enterococcus faecium, Enterococcus durans, and Enterococcus thailandicus, were deemed safe from the genome analysis. The presence of secondary metabolite gene clusters for bacteriocins was assessed, and twelve candidates were found to secrete antimicrobial compounds effective against Listeria monocytogenes isolated from cheese and Staphylococcus aureus. Physiological characterization revealed nineteen industrial potentials; all strains grew well at 42 °C and acidified 1.5 hours faster than their mesophilic counterpart Lactococcus lactis, with which they share metabolism and flavor forming ability. We conclude that a large fraction of the examined enterococci were safe and could serve as excellent food fermentation microorganisms with inherent bioprotective abilities.202438552381
4785190.9994Study of MazEF, sam, and phd-doc putative toxin-antitoxin systems in Staphylococcus epidermidis. Today, to replace the antibacterial targets to overcome antibiotic resistance, toxin-antitoxin (TA) system is noticeable, where the unstable antitoxin neutralizes the stable toxin and protects the bacteria against the toxic effects. The presence and expression of TA genes in clinical and non-clinical strains of Staphylococcus epidermidis were investigated in this study. After identification of three TA pairs (mazEF, sam, and phd-doc) via existing databases (earlier, there has been no information in the case of S. epidermidis isolates), the presence and expression of these pairs were investigated by PCR and q-PCR, respectively. We detected three TA modules in all antibiotic sensitive and resistant isolates. In addition, q-PCR analysis revealed that the transcripts were produced from the three TA modules. This study showed the significant prevalence of these systems in pathogenic bacteria and they were equally found in both oxacillin-resistant and oxacillin-susceptible bacteria. The high prevalence of three systems can make them suitable as potential targets for antibiotic therapy.201829471693