Multiplex Aminoglycoside Resistance

Aminoglycosides represent an important class of bactericidal antibiotics effective against gram-negative aerobic bacteria and some gram-positive organisms. Resistance to aminoglycosides emerges through multiple mechanisms including aminoglycoside-modifying enzyme production (phosphotransferases, nucleotidyltransferases, acetyltransferases), ribosomal target modification, and reduced bacterial uptake of the antibiotic. Aminoglycoside-modifying enzymes are encoded by genes frequently located on plasmids or transposons, enabling horizontal transfer between bacterial species and rapid spread of resistance in clinical and community settings. Detection of aminoglycoside resistance genes enables prediction of clinical efficacy of aminoglycoside therapy and identification of high-risk resistant strains.