Lysogenic Transfer of mef(A) and tet(O) Genes Carried by {Phi}m46.1 among Group A Streptococci{triangledown}

We report the ex vivo lysogenic transfer of erythromycin and tetracycline resistance genes among group A streptococci (GAS). Of 42 susceptible strains, 69% acquired erythromycin/tetracycline resistance when infected with purified supernatants from strain m46 culture containing the phage m46.1. A significant emm-type-dependent barrier to lysogenic transfer was not observed. The emm12 strains were the only strains susceptible to the lytic action of the bacteriophage preparation.

Antimicrobial Agents and Chemotherapy, October 2010, p. 4464-4466, Vol. 54, No. 10
0066-4804/10/$12.00+0     doi:10.1128/AAC.01318-09