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Paenibacillus associated with milky disease in Central and South American scarabs

H Harrison1, R Patel, A A Yousten

  • 1Microbiology Section, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, Blacksburg, Virginia 24061, USA.

Journal of Invertebrate Pathology
|October 12, 2000
PubMed

Insights

Newly identified Paenibacillus bacteria from Central and South America causing milky disease in scarab larvae show unique genetic traits. These findings highlight geographic variations in bacterial species and their resistance genes.

Area of Science:

  • Microbiology
  • Insect Pathology
  • Molecular Biology

Background:

  • Milky disease, caused by Paenibacillus bacteria, affects scarab larvae.
  • Previous research suggested distinct characteristics for Paenibacillus popilliae and Paenibacillus lentimorbus, including parasporal body production and vancomycin resistance.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To identify and characterize Paenibacillus isolates from Central and South America causing milky disease in scarab larvae.
  • To compare these isolates with North American strains using molecular methods.
  • To investigate the genetic basis of parasporal body production and vancomycin resistance.

Main Methods:

  • DNA similarity analysis for bacterial identification.
  • Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) with parasporal protein primers for genetic screening.
  • Vancomycin resistance assays.

Main Results:

  • Thirty-one isolates were identified as Paenibacillus popilliae or Paenibacillus lentimorbus.
  • Isolates from Central and South America were genetically similar to each other but distinct from North American type strains.
  • All isolates produced parasporal bodies, challenging previous assumptions.
  • Parasporal protein genes showed variations among P. popilliae isolates and between the two species.
  • No Central or South American isolates exhibited vancomycin resistance, unlike North American strains.

Conclusions:

  • Paenibacillus popilliae and Paenibacillus lentimorbus from Central and South America represent a distinct genetic group.
  • Parasporal body production is not unique to P. popilliae.
  • Geographic distribution of vancomycin resistance genes in these Paenibacillus species is noteworthy.

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