Role of Mobile DNA in the Evolution of Vancomycin-Resistant Enterococcus faecalis

Abstract

The complete genome sequence of Enterococcus faecalis V583, a vancomycinresistant clinical isolate, revealed that more than a quarter of the genome consists of probable mobile or foreign DNA.One of the predicted mobile elements is a previously unknown vanB vancomycin-resistance conjugative transposon.Three plasmids were identi.ed, including two pheromone-sensing conjugative plasmids, one encoding a previously undescribed pheromone inhibitor. The apparent propensity for the incorporation of mobile elements probably contributed to the rapid acquisition and dissemination of drug resistance in the enterococci