Abstract
To examine the dissemination of CTX-M-type extended-spectrum β-lactamases (ESBLs) in clinical isolates of Proteus mirabilis, 91 nonrepetitive ESBL-producing P. mirabilis were collected from infected patients in a tertiary Greek hospital during September, 2001, to May, 2004. A bla CTX-M gene was amplified in one isolate (strain A328), but bla CTX-M was not detected in any of the remaining ESBL producers. Sequencing results showed that P. mirabilis A328 produced a CTX-M-1 enzyme while PCR mapping of the genetic element carrying bla CTX-M-1 revealed that the gene was located downstream of an ISEcp1B element. The cefotaxime resistance determinant was easily transferable and carried on a 70-kb plasmid. The emergence of CTX-M-1- producing P. mirabilis indicates the need for early recognition of such strains to be able to control their spread in our hospital and community environment.
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