Phenotypic and molecular characterization of β-lactams resistance in commensal Neisseria strains isolated from neutropenic patients in Tunisia

We aimed to determine the frequency and the molecular basis of β-lactams resistance in a total of 44 commensal Neisseria strains. Bacterial identification was performed using standard biochemical tests. Genetic diversity of penA gene was studied by penA fingerprinting. Commensal Neisseria strains were represented essentially by Neisseria subflava biovar perflava (75%). Four strains (9%) were β-lactamase producers and had the bla TEM gene. TEM-type β-lactamase was characterized by bla TEM gene sequencing. PenA fingerprinting gave 32 patterns with Msp I and 19 patterns with Taq I. Our strains presented an important frequency of β-lactamase production as well as a high rate of reduced susceptibility to β-lactams with an extensive genetic diversity in the penA gene polymorphism.