Mouse Genetic Background Affects Transfer of an Antibiotic Resistance Plasmid in the Gastrointestinal Tract

Abstract

Antibiotic resistance is a threat to public health. Many clinically relevant antibiotic resistance genes are carried on plasmids that can be transferred to other bacterial members in the gastrointestinal tract. The current study used a murine model to study the transfer of a large antibiotic resistance plasmid from a foodborne Salmonella strain to a gut commensal E. coli strain in the gastrointestinal tract. We found that different mouse genetic backgrounds and a different diversity of microbial communities influenced the level of Escherichia coli that acquired the plasmid in the gastrointestinal tract. This study suggests that the complexity of the microbial community and host genetics influence plasmid transfer from donor to recipient bacteria.