A horizontal transmission of genetic information and its importance for development of antibiotics resistance
Abstract
Genetic information is transmitted among organisms through two pathways - vertically from generation to generation (from parents to progeny) and horizontally (laterally) by direct exchange of genetic material across species barriers. These are primarily prokaryotes, in which the exchange of genes or whole gene segments by horizontal transmission is quite common.
They can dynamically and in a relatively short time generate highly diverse genomes, which does not allow the vertical transmission. As a result, prokaryotes can rapidly acquire new properties such as virulence and pathogenicity as well as resistance to toxins, including antibiotics, by which they increase their adaptability.
Therefore, reinfection-resistant microorganisms are always more difficult to treat than infections caused by non-resistant bacteria. Antibiotic resistance today is a global problem of health care service.
Not only does the number of diseases caused by resistant pathogenic strains of bacteria increase, but also the cost of treatment increases disproportionately, the length of hospitalization is prolonged, and mortality is often rising. Therefore, when indicating antibiotic therapy, it is important to keep in mind that both overuse and abuse of antibiotics contribute to the spread of antibiotic resistance genes.
This is equally true for antibiotic applications in veterinary medicine, agriculture, including aquacultures, or in the food industry.