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Virulence of Pasteurella multocida recA mutants
M Cárdenas1, A R Fernández de Henestrosa, S Campoy
1Departament de Genètica i de Microbiologia, Edifici Cn, Universitat Autónoma de Barcelona, 08193 Bellaterra, Barcelona, Spain
Veterinary Microbiology
|March 30, 2001
Summary
The RecA protein plays a role in Pasteurella multocida virulence. A recA mutant showed reduced virulence and competition, likely due to a longer lag phase, not direct effects on virulence genes.
Area of Science:
- Microbiology
- Molecular Biology
- Bacterial Pathogenesis
Background:
- RecA protein is crucial for DNA repair and recombination.
- Its role in Pasteurella multocida virulence is not well understood.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the role of the RecA protein in Pasteurella multocida virulence.
- To construct and characterize a recA mutant of P. multocida.
Main Methods:
- Isolation and sequencing of the P. multocida recA gene.
- Construction of a recA mutant via single recombination.
- Assessment of UV sensitivity, virulence (LD50), competition assays, and growth kinetics.
Main Results:
- The recA gene sequence showed homology to E. coli and H. influenzae RecA.
- The recA mutant exhibited increased UV sensitivity.
- The mutant showed slightly attenuated virulence and impaired competitive ability compared to the wild-type strain.
- The mutant displayed a similar growth rate but a significantly longer lag phase.
Conclusions:
- The RecA protein influences Pasteurella multocida virulence and competitive fitness.
- Diminished virulence and competition in the recA mutant are likely attributed to an extended lag phase rather than direct effects on virulence genes.