Bacterial silver resistance: molecular biology and uses and misuses of silver compoundsreview
Аннотация: Resistance to silver compounds as determined by bacterial plasmids and genes has been defined by molecular genetics. Silver resistance conferred by the Salmonella plasmid pMGH100 involves nine genes in three transcription units. A sensor/responder (SilRS) two-component transcriptional regulatory system governs synthesis of a periplasmic Ag(I)-binding protein (SilE) and two efflux pumps (a P-type ATPase (SilP) plus a three-protein chemiosmotic RND Ag(I)/H+ exchange system (SilCBA)). The same genes were identified on five of 19 additional IncH incompatibility class plasmids but thus far not on other plasmids. Of 70 random enteric isolates from a local hospital, isolates from catheters and other Ag-exposed sites, and total genomes of enteric bacteria, 10 have recognizable sil genes. The centrally located six genes are found and functional in the chromosome of Escherichia coli K-12, and also occur on the genome of E. coli O157:H7. The use of molecular epidemiological tools will establish the range and diversity of such resistance systems in clinical and non-clinical sources. Silver compounds are used widely as effective antimicrobial agents to combat pathogens (bacteria, viruses and eukaryotic microorganisms) in the clinic and for public health hygiene. Silver cations (Ag+) are microcidal at low concentrations and used to treat burns, wounds and ulcers. Ag is used to coat catheters to retard microbial biofilm development. Ag is used in hygiene products including face creams, 'alternative medicine' health supplements, supermarket products for washing vegetables, and water filtration cartridges. Ag is generally without adverse effects for humans, and argyria (irreversible discoloration of the skin resulting from subepithelial silver deposits) is rare and mostly of cosmetic concern.
Год издания: 2003
Авторы: Simón Silver
Издательство: Oxford University Press
Источник: FEMS Microbiology Reviews
Ключевые слова: Trace Elements in Health, Nanoparticles: synthesis and applications, Heavy Metal Exposure and Toxicity
Другие ссылки: FEMS Microbiology Reviews (PDF)
FEMS Microbiology Reviews (HTML)
PubMed (HTML)
FEMS Microbiology Reviews (HTML)
PubMed (HTML)
Открытый доступ: bronze
Том: 27
Выпуск: 2-3
Страницы: 341–353