Abstract
Enterococci are robust gram-positive bacteria that are found in a variety of surroundings and that cause a significant number of healthcare-associated infections. The genus possesses a high-efficiency pheromone-responsive plasmid (PRP) transfer system for genetic exchange that allows antimicrobial-resistance determinants to spread within bacterial populations. The pCF10 plasmid system is the best characterised, and although other PRP systems are structurally similar, they lack exact functional homologues of pCF10-encoded genes. In this review, we provide an overview of the enterococcal PRP systems, incorporating functional details for the less-well-defined systems. We catalogue the virulence-associated elements of the PRPs that have been identified to date, and we argue that this reinforces the requirement for elucidation of the less studied systems.
Highlights
The genus Enterococcus encompasses approximately 50 species renowned for their hardy nature and are found in a wide array of environments, from the human intestinal tract to soils in tropical and subtropical climates
A broad host range plasmid belonging to incompatibility group 18 was demonstrated to transfer vancomycin resistance (VanA) from enterococci to methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) [9]
Less emphasis has been placed on the mechanisms underlying transfer within other systems, and in this review, we bring up to date what is known about pheromone-responsive plasmid (PRP) systems, placing their mechanistic details in the context of the well-understood pCF10 system
Summary
Competent but complex communication: The phenomena of pheromone-responsive plasmids. Nutrition Innovation Centre for Food and Health (NICHE), Ulster University, Coleraine, Londonderry, Northern Ireland
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
