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Sequence analysis reveals genetic exchanges and intraspecific spread of SaPI2, a pathogenicity island involved in

Abhignya Subedi1, Carles Ubeda1, Rajan P Adhikari1

  • 1Skirball Institute and Departments of Microbiology and Medicine, New York University Medical Center, New York, NY 10016, USA.

Microbiology (Reading, England)
|October 2, 2007
PubMed

Insights

Staphylococcal pathogenicity islands (SaPIs) like SaPI2 carry virulence genes causing disease. This study reveals SaPI2 is common in toxic shock syndrome strains and widespread among staphylococci.

Area of Science:

  • Microbiology
  • Genetics
  • Infectious Diseases

Background:

  • Staphylococcal pathogenicity islands (SaPIs) are mobile genetic elements carrying virulence genes.
  • SaPIs are implicated in various staphylococcal diseases, including toxic shock syndrome (TSS).
  • SaPI2 was initially identified in a specific Staphylococcus aureus TSS strain.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To determine the prevalence of SaPI2 in typical menstrual TSS strains (agr group III, ET41).
  • To investigate the dissemination of SaPI2 beyond the ET41 clone.
  • To analyze the relationship of SaPI2 to other SaPIs and its presence in other TSS-associated strains.

Main Methods:

  • Complete genome sequencing of SaPI2.
  • Comparative sequence analysis of SaPI2 with other SaPIs.
  • Screening of various staphylococcal strains, including TSS isolates, for SaPI presence.

Main Results:

  • The complete sequence of SaPI2 was determined and its relationship to other SaPIs elucidated.
  • SaPI2, or a highly similar element, is present in most ET41 strains.
  • SaPI2 has disseminated to other Staphylococcus aureus strains implicated in TSS.
  • SaPIs are widespread in staphylococci, with most TSS strains carrying multiple SaPIs, including SaPI2.

Conclusions:

  • SaPI2 is a common element in Staphylococcus aureus strains causing TSS, particularly within the ET41 clone.
  • SaPI elements have significant horizontal transfer and are widespread among staphylococci.
  • The presence of multiple SaPIs in TSS strains highlights their importance in staphylococcal pathogenesis.

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