tetG

TetG is a gene that confers resistance to tetracycline-class antibiotics in bacteria. It is typically associated with mechanisms that reduce the intracellular concentration of the drug, most commonly through an efflux pump that actively exports tetracycline out of the cell. While the exact protein family designation can vary by organism, tetG is generally characterized as encoding a tetracycline efflux transporter rather than a ribosomal protection protein.

The gene is frequently found on mobile genetic elements such as plasmids and transposons, which facilitates horizontal transfer between bacteria. This mobility contributes to the spread of tetracycline resistance across species and environments, including clinical, agricultural, and environmental settings. TetG is often found alongside other tetracycline resistance genes, forming multidrug resistance clusters that can complicate treatment options.

Distribution and clinical relevance vary by region and species, but tetG has been reported in a range of Gram-positive bacteria, including various staphylococcal and streptococcal strains, among others. The presence of tetG can render standard tetracycline therapies—such as tetracycline, doxycycline, and minocycline—less effective or ineffective in treated infections. Detection in the laboratory typically relies on molecular methods like PCR targeting tetG or whole-genome sequencing, complemented by phenotypic antibiotic susceptibility testing.

Public health implications center on monitoring and limiting the spread of tetG-bearing elements. Efforts emphasize prudent antibiotic use, surveillance of resistance determinants, and strategies to curb horizontal gene transfer in both clinical and agricultural contexts.