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Beta-lactamase is encoded on plasmid pACK3 in Staphylococcus simulans biovar staphylolyticus
H E Heath1, L S Heath, K E Rose
1Department of Microbiology, University of Alabama, Tuscaloosa 35487.
FEMS Microbiology Letters
|January 1, 1991
Summary
Staphylococcus simulans biovar staphylolyticus contains five plasmids. Hybridization analysis revealed the beta-lactamase gene (bla) is located on pACK3, not the lysostaphin plasmid pACK1.
Area of Science:
- Microbiology
- Molecular Biology
- Genetics
Background:
- Staphylococcus simulans biovar staphylolyticus is known to produce lysostaphin.
- The organism harbors five distinct plasmids, pACK1 through pACK5.
- Previous studies suggested the lysostaphin endopeptidase gene resided on pACK1.
Purpose of the Study:
- To accurately determine the plasmid location of the beta-lactamase gene (bla) in Staphylococcus simulans biovar staphylolyticus.
- To clarify the genetic basis of beta-lactamase production in this strain.
- To correct previous findings regarding plasmid localization.
Main Methods:
- Plasmid DNA extraction from Staphylococcus simulans biovar staphylolyticus.
- Hybridization analysis utilizing a cloned beta-lactamase gene (bla) probe.
- Characterization of bacterial strains cured of specific plasmids.
Main Results:
- The beta-lactamase gene (bla) was definitively located on plasmid pACK3.
- This finding contradicts prior reports which assigned bla to pACK1.
- Plasmid pACK1 was confirmed to carry the lysostaphin endopeptidase gene.
Conclusions:
- The beta-lactamase gene (bla) in Staphylococcus simulans biovar staphylolyticus is located on pACK3.
- This study corrects the previously reported localization of bla, emphasizing the importance of precise genetic mapping.
- Understanding plasmid-borne gene distribution is crucial for bacterial genetics and potential biotechnological applications.