The integron is a new type of mobile element which has evolved by a site-specific recombinational mechanism. Integrons consist of two conserved segments of DNA separated by a variable region containing one or more genes integrated as cassettes. Oligonucleotide probes specific for the conserved segments have revealed that integrons are widespread in recently isolated clinical bacteria. Also, by using oligonucleotide probes for several antibiotic resistance genes, we have found novel combinations of resistance genes in these strains. By using PCR, we have determined the content and order of the resistance genes inserted between the conserved segments in the integrons of these clinical isolates. PCR mapping of integrons can be a useful epidemiological tool to study the evolution of multiresistance plasmids and transposons and dissemination of antibiotic resistance genes.
