Emergence of the trimethoprim resistance gene dfrD in Listeria monocytogenes BM4293

The sequence of the trimethoprim resistance gene of the 3.7-kb plasmid (pIP823) that confers high-level resistance (MIC, 1,024 microg/ml) to Listeria monocytogenes BM4293 was determined. The gene was identical to dfrD recently detected in Staphylococcus haemolyticus MUR313. The corresponding protein, S2DHFR, represents the second class of high-level trimethoprim-resistant dihydrofolate reductase identified in gram-positive bacteria. We propose that trimethoprim resistance in L. monocytogenes BM4293 could originate in staphylococci.