Identification of essential genes for conjugative transfer in antimicrobial resistance-associated pELF-type linear plasmids of opportunistic pathogen Enterococcus faecium

The pELF-type linear plasmid is a critical mobile genetic element responsible for the dissemination of various antimicrobial resistance (AMR) genes, most notably vancomycin resistance in Enterococcus faecium. This research identifies essential genes required for conjugative transfer of these resistance plasmids, providing mechanistic understanding of how multidrug-resistant E. faecium spreads resistance traits through horizontal gene transfer in healthcare settings.