TITLE:
A Mini Review on the Mechanisms of Tetracycline Resistance in Bacterial Species
AUTHORS:
Doubra Otis Isaiah
KEYWORDS:
Tetracycline, Antibiotic Resistance, Bacteria
JOURNAL NAME:
Open Access Library Journal,
Vol.12 No.11,
November
5,
2025
ABSTRACT: Tetracyclines are broad-spectrum antibiotics that stop bacteria from producing proteins by blocking peptide elongation and aminoacyl-tRNA attachment, by reversibly binding to the 30S ribosomal subunit. Many tet genes, which are mobilized by integrons, transposons, and plasmids, encode tetracycline resistance mechanisms such as ribosome protection proteins (RPPs), efflux pumps, and enzymatic inactivation. These genes spread faster via mobile genetic elements, which allow for horizontal gene transfer between clinical, agricultural, and environmental bacterial species. Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria have been shown to carry more than 40 tet genes, with Escherichia coli having a particularly high incidence of efflux-mediated resistance. Tetracycline abuse has resulted in the selection of resistant strains, allowing tet genes to survive and diversify in microbial ecosystems. This mini review summarizes the mechanisms of tetracycline resistance. Understanding these mechanisms is critical for developing effective surveillance strategies and mitigating the harmful consequences of antibiotic resistance on public health.