Related Experiment Videos
Partial characterization of plasmids from rabbit isolates of Pasteurella multocida
R Gunther1, P J Manning, J E Bouma
1Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathology, University of Minnesota Medical School, Minneapolis 55455.
Laboratory Animal Science
|October 1, 1991
Summary
Plasmids were detected in Pasteurella multocida rabbit isolates, with a common plasmid found in eleven strains. However, plasmid presence did not correlate with any clinical, pathological, or bacterial characteristics examined.
Area of Science:
- Veterinary Microbiology
- Bacterial Genetics
Background:
- Plasmids are extrachromosomal DNA elements that can confer advantageous traits to bacteria.
- Previous studies have not reported the presence of plasmids in Pasteurella multocida isolates from rabbits.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the presence of plasmids in rabbit Pasteurella multocida isolates.
- To determine if plasmid presence correlates with specific clinical, pathological, or genotypic characteristics.
Main Methods:
- Assaying 28 rabbit Pasteurella multocida isolates for plasmid DNA using agarose gel electrophoresis.
- Characterizing plasmid size and restriction fragment patterns (Hae III, Hinf I, Msp I).
- Correlating plasmid presence with serotype, toxin production, pili, biochemical tests, and host disease status.
Main Results:
- Plasmids were detected in 15 out of 28 isolates.
- A common plasmid of approximately 2.1 Md (linearized) was identified in 11 isolates.
- No significant correlations were found between plasmid presence and the evaluated characteristics.
Conclusions:
- Plasmids can be present in rabbit Pasteurella multocida, contrary to previous reports.
- The common plasmid identified does not appear to be associated with virulence factors or specific disease presentations in rabbits.