Effects of antibiotics on the transfer frequency of SXT/R391 element of Vibrio alginolyticus

Abstract:

[Objective] We studied the effects of nalidixic acid, norfloxacin and kanamycin on the transfer frequency of SXT/R391 element ICEValA056-1 in Vibrio alginolyticus. [Methods] The circular ICEValA056-1 in V. alginolyticus A056 was detected by PCR. Conjugation experiments were conducted between V. alginolyticus A056 and Escherichia coli VB111 to explore the frequency variation of the integrating conjugative elements transfer after donor strain A056 was cultured in Luria Broth containing nalidixic acid or norfloxacin or kanamycin in different concentrations for 15 min or 30 min. [Results] Circular ICEValA056-1 was detected in V. alginolyticus A056, indicating that ICEValA056-1 had the potential to transfer. Treatment with 40 μg/mL nalidixic acid for 30 min increased the transfer frequency of ICEValA056-1 to19.59 folds. Treatment with 50 μg/mL norfloxacin for 15 min increased the transfer frequency of ICEValA056-1 to 31.25 folds. The transfer frequency of ICEValA056-1 had no significant changes under treatment with different concentrations of kanamycin for 30 min. [Conclusion] This study indicates that some antibiotics can obviously increase the transfer frequency of ICEValA056-1, and that antibiotics abuse and arbitrarily discharge might intensify dissemination of integrating conjugative elements from V. alginolyticus to other bacteria.

Key words:Vibrio alginolyticus;SXT/R391 element;transfer frequency;antibiotics