Distribution of the erm(B) gene, tetracycline resistance genes, and Tn1545-like Transposons in macrolide- and lincosamide-resistant enterococci from pigs and humans

The distribution of the erm(B) and the tetracycline resistance genes tet(K), tet(L), tet(M), tet(O), and tet(S) was investigated among macrolide- and lincosamide-resistant enterococci originating from humans, pigs, and pork carcasses. The presence of transposons of the Tn916/Tn1545 family was also traced in these isolates. Furthermore, the porcine strains were tested for the presence of glycopeptide resistance genes vanA and vanB. The erm(B) gene was found in 85% of the porcine and in all human isolates. Ninety-eight percent of the porcine and 89% of the human erm(B)-positive enterococci carried the tet(M) gene. Seventy-seven percent and 70%, respectively, of these strains harbored a Tn1545-like element. Tet(L) was observed in 68% of the porcine and in 65% of the human enterococci. The other tetracycline resistance genes were very rare and the glycopeptide resistance genes vanA and vanB were not detected among the porcine isolates. The similar frequencies of resistance genes and the highly mobile Tn1545-like transposon among porcine and human enterococci might indicate exchange of resistant strains or their resistance genes between humans and pigs or the existence of a common reservoir.