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Molecular characterization of Pasteurella multocida isolates from rabbits.
Muthafar Hussain Al-Haddawi1, Sabri Jasni, Radu Son
1Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University Putra Malaysia, 43400 UPM, Serdang, Selangor, Malaysia.
The Journal of General and Applied Microbiology
|December 27, 2002
Summary
Plasmids were detected in six Pasteurella multocida rabbit isolates, but no correlation was found with health status or antimicrobial resistance. Random amplified polymorphic DNA-polymerase chain reaction (RAPD-PCR) revealed significant genetic diversity among isolates.
Area of Science:
- Veterinary Microbiology
- Bacteriology
- Molecular Biology
Background:
- Pasteurella multocida is a significant pathogen in rabbits, causing various diseases.
- Understanding the genetic diversity and plasmid carriage of P. multocida is crucial for disease control.
- Previous studies have explored plasmid profiles and their potential links to virulence factors.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the presence of plasmids in Pasteurella multocida isolates from healthy and diseased rabbits.
- To determine any correlation between plasmid presence and rabbit health status, antimicrobial sensitivity, serotype, or isolation site.
- To assess the genetic heterogeneity of P. multocida isolates using Random Amplified Polymorphic DNA-Polymerase Chain Reaction (RAPD-PCR).
Main Methods:
- Isolation and characterization of Pasteurella multocida from rabbit samples.
- Plasmid DNA extraction and analysis using gel electrophoresis.
- Antimicrobial sensitivity testing.
- Random Amplified Polymorphic DNA-Polymerase Chain Reaction (RAPD-PCR) for genetic subtyping.
Main Results:
- Six out of forty P. multocida isolates harbored plasmids, with molecular weights ranging from 3 to 18 megadaltons (Mda).
- A common 6.6 Mda plasmid band was observed in four out of five isolates from diseased rabbits.
- No correlation was found between plasmid presence and serotype, antimicrobial resistance, or anatomic origin.
- RAPD-PCR analysis using two primers revealed significant genetic heterogeneity, generating 7 and 15 distinct profiles, respectively.
Conclusions:
- Plasmid carriage in P. multocida from rabbits does not appear to be directly correlated with health status, antimicrobial resistance, or serotype.
- RAPD-PCR is an effective molecular technique for discriminating between P. multocida isolates from rabbits and assessing their genetic diversity.
- Further research may elucidate the specific roles of plasmids and genetic variations in P. multocida pathogenesis in rabbits.