A collection of 30 DHA-1-Enterobacteriaceae producers was examined for the presence of qnr genes. PCR-based replicon typing, plasmid profile and Southern hybridisation analyses revealed that all isolates co-harboured bla(DHA-1) and qnrB genes on the same plasmid. All but one of these plasmids belonged to the L/M group. Genetic organization analyses of a randomly selected isolate revealed the co-localization of both genes on an IS26-composite transposon. As plasmids carrying both genes seem to have a high prevalence and a worldwide distribution, care should be taken when quinolones are used to treat infections caused by DHA-1 producers.
© 2011 The Authors. Clinical Microbiology and Infection © 2011 European Society of Clinical Microbiology and Infectious Diseases.