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Comparison of flagellin genes from clinical and environmental Pseudomonas aeruginosa isolates
J A Morgan1, N F Bellingham, C Winstanley
1Department of Plant Pathology and Microbiology, Horticulture Research International, Wellesbourne, Warwick, CV35 9EF, United Kingdom. alun.morgan@hri.ac.uk
Abstract:
Pseudomonas aeruginosa, an important opportunistic pathogen, was isolated from environmental samples and compared to clinically derived strains. While P. aeruginosa was isolated readily from an experimental mushroom-growing unit, it was found only rarely in other environmental samples. A flagellin gene PCR-restriction fragment length polymorphism analysis of the isolates revealed that environmental and clinical P. aeruginosa strains are not readily distinguishable. The variation in the central regions of the flagellin genes of seven of the isolates was investigated further. The strains used included two strains with type a genes (998 bp), four strains with type b genes (1,258 bp), and one strain, K979, with a novel flagellin gene (2,199 bp). The route by which flagellin gene variation has occurred in P. aeruginosa is discussed.
Insights
Pseudomonas aeruginosa, an opportunistic pathogen, was found in environmental samples, particularly mushroom farms. Genetic analysis showed environmental and clinical strains are similar, with variations in flagellin genes.
Area of Science:
- Microbiology
- Genetics
- Pathogen Research
Background:
- Pseudomonas aeruginosa is a significant opportunistic pathogen.
- Understanding its environmental prevalence and genetic diversity is crucial for infection control.
Purpose of the Study:
- To compare environmental and clinical isolates of Pseudomonas aeruginosa.
- To investigate the genetic relatedness and flagellin gene variation between these strains.
Main Methods:
- Isolation of Pseudomonas aeruginosa from environmental samples, including a mushroom-growing unit.
- Flagellin gene PCR-restriction fragment length polymorphism (RFLP) analysis.
- Sequencing and analysis of flagellin gene central regions.
Main Results:
- Pseudomonas aeruginosa was readily isolated from an experimental mushroom-growing unit but rarely from other environmental sources.
- Flagellin gene PCR-RFLP analysis indicated that environmental and clinical P. aeruginosa strains are not easily distinguishable.
- Variations in flagellin gene size were observed, including a novel gene type in strain K979.
Conclusions:
- Environmental and clinical Pseudomonas aeruginosa strains share genetic similarities.
- Flagellin gene variation may play a role in the adaptability and evolution of Pseudomonas aeruginosa.
- Further research is needed to elucidate the mechanisms of flagellin gene variation in this pathogen.