Several Bandit Biosystems panels pair pathogen targets with antibiotic resistance genes, including Women's Health Panel C Ready-2-Test and the Pongo Antibiotic Resistance Panel A. This note summarizes what the main gene families encode.
| Gene family | Antibiotic class | What it encodes |
|---|---|---|
| ermA, ermB, ermC | Macrolides, lincosamides, streptogramin B | rRNA methylases that alter the ribosomal binding site |
| mecA | Beta-lactams (methicillin) | An altered penicillin-binding protein, PBP2a |
| qnrA, qnrB | Fluoroquinolones | Proteins that protect DNA gyrase and topoisomerase IV |
| SHV, CTX-M groups 1, 2 and 9 | Extended-spectrum cephalosporins | Extended-spectrum beta-lactamases (ESBLs) |
| OXA-48, KPC | Carbapenems | Carbapenemases |
| ampC | Cephalosporins | AmpC-type beta-lactamases |
| dfrA1, dfrA5 | Trimethoprim | Trimethoprim-resistant dihydrofolate reductases |
| tet(M) | Tetracyclines | A ribosomal protection protein |
| sul1, sul2 | Sulfonamides | Sulfonamide-resistant dihydropteroate synthases |
What gene detection tells you
- Presence, not expression. qPCR shows that a resistance gene is present in the sample. It does not show whether the gene is expressed or what level of resistance results.
- Sample, not organism. In a specimen containing several organisms, a resistance gene can't be assigned to a particular organism from the qPCR result alone.
- Known genes only. Assays detect the gene variants they were designed for. Other resistance mechanisms aren't covered.
For these reasons, gene detection complements rather than replaces culture-based susceptibility testing in research workflows.
For a resistance gene we don't list, ask about custom assay development.