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Plasmid content of piliated and nonpiliated forms of Moraxella bovis
1Department of Pathobiology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Auburn University, AL 36849-5519.
Abstract:
Plasmid profiles were compared between nonpiliated and piliated forms of Moraxella bovis isolates. The piliated form of M bovis isolate IBH64 contained 1 fewer plasmid than did the nonpiliated form. Piliated and nonpiliated cells of IBH64 contained plasmids having molecular size of 45, 32.8, 4.9, and 4.6 kilobases (kb). Single- and double-restriction endonuclease digestion by Ava I and Nde I indicated that the size of the additional plasmid carried by the nonpiliated form of IBH64 was approximately 43.6 kb. The M bovis isolates, Newport and GRS, contained the same number of plasmids in either their piliated or nonpiliated form.
Insights
The piliated form of Moraxella bovis (M. bovis) had one less plasmid than the nonpiliated form. This difference was due to a 43.6 kb plasmid found only in nonpiliated M. bovis.
Area of Science:
- Bacteriology
- Molecular Biology
- Veterinary Microbiology
Background:
- Moraxella bovis is an important pathogen in cattle, often associated with infectious bovine keratoconjunctivitis (IBK).
- The presence and characteristics of plasmids in M. bovis can influence its virulence and adaptability.
- Understanding plasmid dynamics in different Moraxella bovis morphotypes is crucial for disease control strategies.
Purpose of the Study:
- To compare the plasmid profiles of piliated and nonpiliated Moraxella bovis isolates.
- To identify any plasmid differences associated with the piliated or nonpiliated state of M. bovis.
- To investigate the molecular characteristics of plasmids in M. bovis.
Main Methods:
- Plasmid DNA extraction from piliated and nonpiliated M. bovis isolates.
- Agarose gel electrophoresis to determine plasmid sizes and numbers.
- Restriction endonuclease digestion (Ava I and Nde I) for detailed plasmid analysis.
Main Results:
- One M. bovis isolate (IBH64) showed a difference in plasmid content between its piliated and nonpiliated forms, with the nonpiliated form possessing an additional plasmid of approximately 43.6 kb.
- Both piliated and nonpiliated cells of IBH64 shared plasmids of 45, 32.8, 4.9, and 4.6 kilobases (kb).
- Other M. bovis isolates (Newport and GRS) exhibited identical plasmid profiles regardless of their piliation status.
Conclusions:
- Plasmid content can vary between piliated and nonpiliated Moraxella bovis morphotypes, potentially impacting bacterial characteristics.
- A specific 43.6 kb plasmid may be associated with the nonpiliated state in certain M. bovis strains.
- Further research is needed to elucidate the functional role of this plasmid in M. bovis.