Presencia de genes de resistencia a fluoroquinolonas y betalactámicos en Proteus mirabilis aislados en carne de pollo en el cantón Ambato

Abstract

This study focused on the identification and analysis of antimicrobial resistance genes in Proteus mirabilis strains isolated from chicken meat samples from the city of Ambato. In particular, two key genes were investigated: gyrA associated with resistance to fluoroquinolones, and blaTEM-1, related to beta-lactam resistance. For the detection and analysis of these genes, advanced molecular techniques were used, including Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) and gel electrophoresis. First, DNA extraction from the samples was performed using standardized methods that ensure purity and adequate concentration of DNA for subsequent amplification, in the PCR phase, specific primers were used to amplify the target sequences of the gyrA and blaTEM-1 genes. The results showed successful amplification of the gyrA gene in all samples analyzed, with a base size of 850 bp, confirming a 100% prevalence of this gene in Proteus mirabilis strains. On the other hand, the amplification of the blaTEM- 1 gene was not universal in all samples, it was detected in 58.3% of the strains analyzed. This finding suggests the presence of variability in beta-lactam resistance in the samples, indicating that although blaTEM-1 is a prevalent gene it is not the only resistance mechanism present. This result underscores the need to consider other betalactam resistance genes and other resistance mechanisms in future studies. This research provides detailed insight into antimicrobial resistance, the high prevalence of the gyrA gene and the considerable presence of the blaTEM-1 gene indicate significant resistance to fluoroquinolones and beta-lactams, respectively. These findings emphasize the importance of continuous and detailed monitoring of antimicrobial resistance in the food chain to implement effective control strategies and protect public health.