Novel IS26-mediated hybrid plasmid harbouring tet(X4) in Escherichia coli

Abstract

The fusion of the two plasmids probably formed through IS26 homologous recombination. Such recombination events presumably play an important role in the dissemination of the tet(X4). Molecular surveillance of tet(X) variant genes and genetic structures warrants further investigation to evaluate the underlying public health risk.