Harnessing efficient multiplex PCR methods to detect the expanding Tet(X) family of tigecycline resistance genes

Abstract

A growing number of <i>tet(X)</i>-type tigecycline resistance determinants [<i>tet(X1)</i> to <i>tet(X5)</i>] constitutes an expanding family of tetracycline-inactivating enzymes, posing a potential risk to global public health. Here, we report the development of an efficient multiplex PCR method to detect the family of <i>tet(X)</i> variants. This method is successfully applied in the screen and validation of <i>tet(X)</i> genes in the field and clinic bacterial samples. In addition, we found that the formerly proposed <i>tet(X1)</i> is a premature truncated version by the inappropriate annotation, and fixed this error. Overall, it might be the first genetic tool for the detection of different Tet(X) members.