Whole genome analysis of tigecycline resistant Enterococcus faecium isolates suggests mutations in 30S ribosomal subunit are responsible for the resistant phenotype observed.

Whole genome sequences were determined for three pairs (identical based on PFGE patterns) of sensitive and resistant Enterococcus faecium strains. The comparison of both sensitive and resistant strains showed little genetic difference(s), however a 3-bp and 15-bp deletion in rpsJ was detected, which has close proximity to the tigecycline binding site in the 30S ribosomal subunit and could therefore explain the tigecycline resistance.