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Conjugative plasmids in Bordetella avium
1Department of Microbiology, North Carolina State University, Raleigh 27695-7615.
Abstract:
Three of five antibiotic-resistant plasmids isolated from virulent strains of Bordetella avium were found to be conjugative. A physical and genetic map of one of these plasmids, the 51.5-kb plasmid p4093, revealed that the area of p4093 responsible for streptomycin and tetracycline resistance was located in a region consisting of a cluster of restriction enzyme recognition sites, whereas the remainder of p4093 contained relatively few restriction sites. Additionally, the genes involved in the conjugative ability of p4093 were clustered in at least two widely separated regions of the plasmid.
Insights
Three Bordetella avium antibiotic-resistant plasmids were conjugative. Mapping revealed resistance genes clustered with restriction sites, while conjugation genes were in separate regions on plasmid p4093.
Area of Science:
- Microbiology
- Molecular Biology
- Genetics
Background:
- Antibiotic resistance in bacteria poses a significant threat to public health.
- Bordetella avium is an important pathogen in veterinary medicine, particularly in poultry.
- Understanding the genetic basis of antibiotic resistance and plasmid transfer in B. avium is crucial for controlling infections.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the characteristics of antibiotic-resistant plasmids in virulent Bordetella avium strains.
- To physically and genetically map a conjugative plasmid (p4093) from B. avium.
- To identify the genetic regions responsible for antibiotic resistance and conjugative transfer.
Main Methods:
- Isolation and characterization of antibiotic-resistant plasmids from Bordetella avium.
- Conjugation experiments to determine plasmid transferability.
- Physical and genetic mapping of plasmid p4093 using restriction enzyme analysis.
- Identification of gene clusters associated with resistance and conjugation.
Main Results:
- Three of five isolated antibiotic-resistant plasmids were found to be conjugative.
- Plasmid p4093 (51.5 kb) was mapped, revealing a cluster of restriction sites associated with streptomycin and tetracycline resistance.
- Genes conferring conjugative ability were located in at least two distinct regions of p4093.
Conclusions:
- Conjugative antibiotic-resistant plasmids are present in virulent Bordetella avium strains.
- The genetic organization of p4093 suggests specific regions are responsible for resistance and transfer.
- Further research into these plasmids can inform strategies to combat antibiotic resistance in B. avium infections.