Taxonomy and epidemiology of R plasmids as molecular species

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Abstract
Large discrepancies are present between genetic structures of plasmids belonging to different groups. This is consistent with distinct phylogenetic origins. A large degree of homology between plasmids of the same group probably reflects phylogenetic relationships between genes governing transfer functions. For these reasons many plasmids might be considered as belonging to identifiable ‘plasmid species’. From the medical point of view this concept can be useful in the tracing of bacteria and plasmids in the environment. Antibiotic policies, for example, should be based on the knowledge of the epidemiology and ecology of resistance plasmids.

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