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Novel plasmids in clinical strains of Streptococcus pneumoniae
C Sibold1, Z Markiewicz, C Latorre
1Max-Planck Institut für molekulare Genetik, Berlin, F.R.G.
Abstract:
Small plasmids were found in two clinical isolates of Streptococcus pneumoniae from Spain (strains 671 and 678) and in one strain (SpR) isolated in Germany. All three strains contained one plasmid (2.75 to 3.1 kb) which is related to the only previously described pneumococcal plasmid, pDP1. Strains 678 and SpR carried a second plasmid of 2.6 kb and 2.7 kb, respectively. These two plasmids hybridized neither with each other, nor with pDP1, demonstrating that they represent new types of plasmids not having been found in pneumococci before.
Insights
New small plasmids were discovered in clinical Streptococcus pneumoniae isolates from Spain and Germany. These novel plasmids are distinct from previously identified pneumococcal plasmids, expanding our understanding of bacterial genetics.
Area of Science:
- Microbiology
- Genetics
- Molecular Biology
Background:
- Streptococcus pneumoniae is a significant human pathogen.
- Plasmids play a crucial role in bacterial adaptation and antibiotic resistance.
- Limited information exists on plasmids in Streptococcus pneumoniae.
Purpose of the Study:
- To characterize plasmids found in clinical isolates of Streptococcus pneumoniae.
- To determine the novelty of identified plasmids compared to existing pneumococcal plasmids.
Main Methods:
- Plasmid DNA extraction from clinical isolates.
- Plasmid size determination using gel electrophoresis.
- Hybridization studies to assess genetic relatedness.
Main Results:
- Three clinical Streptococcus pneumoniae strains harbored small plasmids (2.6-3.1 kb).
- One plasmid type was related to the known pneumococcal plasmid pDP1.
- Two additional plasmids were identified, showing no hybridization with each other or pDP1, indicating they are novel types.
Conclusions:
- The study identified novel plasmids in Streptococcus pneumoniae.
- These findings contribute to the understanding of pneumococcal plasmid diversity.
- Further research is warranted to investigate the function and spread of these new plasmids.