Related Experiment Video

Updated: Jul 13, 2026

Characterization of a Pathogenic Escherichia coli Strain Derived from Oreochromis spp. Farms Using Whole-Genome Sequencing
09:44

Characterization of a Pathogenic Escherichia coli Strain Derived from Oreochromis spp. Farms Using Whole-Genome Sequencing

Published on: December 23, 2022

Sequence variation in the outer membrane protein-encoding gene cmeC, conferring multidrug resistance among

Mohamed K Fakhr1, Catherine M Logue

  • 1Department of Veterinary and Microbiological Sciences, North Dakota State University, Fargo, ND 58105, USA.

Journal of Clinical Microbiology
|July 27, 2007
PubMed

Insights

A novel PCR method identified the cmeC gene in Campylobacter strains from diverse hosts. Genetic analysis showed significant variation between Campylobacter species but minimal variation within species.

Area of Science:

  • Microbiology
  • Genetics
  • Veterinary Science

Background:

  • Campylobacter species are significant foodborne pathogens.
  • Understanding genetic diversity is crucial for tracking outbreaks and developing control strategies.
  • The cmeC gene is involved in multidrug efflux, a key factor in antimicrobial resistance.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To develop and apply a novel PCR method for detecting the cmeC gene in Campylobacter jejuni and Campylobacter coli.
  • To analyze the genetic variation of cmeC among isolates from different host species.

Main Methods:

  • A novel PCR primer pair was designed to target the cmeC gene.
  • 131 Campylobacter jejuni and Campylobacter coli isolates from cattle, turkeys, humans, and pigs were analyzed.
  • DNA sequencing was performed to assess genetic variation.

Main Results:

  • The PCR method successfully detected the cmeC gene in the studied isolates.
  • DNA sequence analysis revealed substantial genetic divergence between Campylobacter jejuni and Campylobacter coli.
  • Extremely limited genetic variation was observed among isolates of the same species.

Conclusions:

  • The developed PCR assay is effective for detecting the cmeC gene in Campylobacter.
  • Campylobacter jejuni and Campylobacter coli exhibit distinct genetic profiles.
  • Intraspecies genetic homogeneity suggests potential clonal expansion or effective population structures within host-associated populations.

More Related Videos

Testing the Role of Multicopy Plasmids in the Evolution of Antibiotic Resistance09:00

Testing the Role of Multicopy Plasmids in the Evolution of Antibiotic Resistance

Published on: May 2, 2018

Detection of Horizontal Gene Transfer Mediated by Natural Conjugative Plasmids in E. coli06:56

Detection of Horizontal Gene Transfer Mediated by Natural Conjugative Plasmids in E. coli

Published on: March 24, 2023

Related Concept Videos

Mechanism of Antibiotic Resistance in MRSA01:25

Mechanism of Antibiotic Resistance in MRSA

Antibiotic resistance in bacteria arises when microorganisms evolve the ability to withstand drugs designed to kill them or inhibit their growth, rendering once-effective treatments useless. This phenomenon, driven by genetic change and selection under antibiotic exposure, poses a profound threat to modern medicine. Mechanisms include drug-inactivating enzymes (e.g., β-lactamases), efflux pumps that eject antibiotics, mutations altering antibiotic targets, decreased drug uptake, and acquisition...
Development of Antibiotic Resistance01:30

Development of Antibiotic Resistance

Antibiotic resistance is a major public health concern that arises when bacteria evolve mechanisms to withstand the effects of antibiotic treatments. This resistance can be intrinsic, acquired through genetic mutations, or transferred between bacteria via horizontal gene transfer. The development of antibiotic resistance poses significant challenges in treating bacterial infections and necessitates ongoing research to develop new therapeutic strategies.Intrinsic resistance occurs when bacterial...
Bacterial Gastroenteritis01:18

Bacterial Gastroenteritis

Bacterial gastroenteritis, characterized by diarrhea, abdominal cramps, and vomiting, is often caused by ingestion of contaminated food or water and is frequently associated with pathogenic Escherichia coli strains. These microbes exploit two principal mechanisms to inflict disease.Shiga toxin–producing E. coli, also referred to as STEC—notably O157:H7—release Shiga toxins that target ribosomes, blocking protein synthesis. The B subunit of the toxin binds the host glycolipid receptor...
Clinical Significance of Antibiotic Resistance01:25

Clinical Significance of Antibiotic Resistance

Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) presents a critical public health threat, arising from its capacity to resist β-lactam antibiotics due to acquisition of the mecA gene within the staphylococcal cassette chromosome mec (SCCmec). This gene encodes penicillin-binding protein 2a (PBP2a), which impairs binding efficacy of methicillin and other β-lactams. MRSA has evolved into distinct clonal lineages impacting humans and animals alike, reinforcing its significance within the One...
Stringent Response in E. coli01:23

Stringent Response in E. coli

Bacterial growth is closely tied to nutrient availability, with cells proliferating exponentially under favorable conditions and entering a stationary phase when resources become scarce. This transition is mediated by a regulatory mechanism known as the stringent response, which allows bacteria to adapt to nutrient deprivation by modulating gene expression and metabolic activity.During nutrient scarcity, intracellular amino acid levels decline. It results in the accumulation of uncharged tRNAs...
Evolution of Microbial Genome01:08

Evolution of Microbial Genome

Microbial genome evolution is a highly dynamic process shaped by continual gene gain and loss across species and strains. This genomic flexibility allows microorganisms to adapt rapidly to environmental pressures and interactions with other organisms. Central to understanding this diversity is the distinction between the core and pan genomes.The core genome comprises the genes shared by all sampled strains of a species, representing essential functions needed for fundamental cellular processes.