Related Experiment Video

Updated: May 29, 2026

Site-specific Bacterial Chromosome Engineering: ΦC31 Integrase Mediated Cassette Exchange (IMCE)
08:21

Site-specific Bacterial Chromosome Engineering: ΦC31 Integrase Mediated Cassette Exchange (IMCE)

Published on: March 16, 2012

Complete sequence of pJIE143, a pir-type plasmid carrying ISEcp1-blaCTX-M-15 from an Escherichia coli ST131 isolate

Sally R Partridge1, Justin A Ellem, Sasha G Tetu

  • 1Centre for Infectious Diseases and Microbiology, University of Sydney, Westmead Hospital, Level 3 ICPMR Building, Sydney, New South Wales 2145, Australia. sally.partridge@swahs.health.nsw.gov.au

Antimicrobial Agents and Chemotherapy
|September 14, 2011
PubMed

Insights

A novel plasmid, pJIE143, carrying the bla(CTX-M-15) gene, was identified in Escherichia coli. Its unique IncX-like backbone and inserted transposition unit challenge standard plasmid typing methods.

Area of Science:

  • Microbiology
  • Molecular Biology
  • Genetics

Background:

  • The bla(CTX-M-15) gene confers resistance to extended-spectrum cephalosporins, a significant public health concern.
  • Escherichia coli sequence type 131 (ST131) is a globally disseminated multidrug-resistant pathogen.
  • Standard plasmid typing methods can fail to identify novel or divergent plasmid types.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To characterize the novel plasmid pJIE143 identified in an Escherichia coli ST131 isolate.
  • To elucidate the genetic structure and evolutionary origins of pJIE143.
  • To understand the implications of this novel plasmid for antimicrobial resistance dissemination.

Main Methods:

  • Plasmid DNA extraction and sequencing.
  • Bioinformatic analysis of plasmid backbone and inserted elements.
  • Comparison with known plasmid families and mobile genetic elements.

Main Results:

  • pJIE143 (34 kb) carries the bla(CTX-M-15) gene but is not typable by standard PCR-based replicon typing.
  • Complete sequencing revealed an IncX-like plasmid backbone with a pir-like replication gene and IncX-related iterons.
  • A 2.971-kb ISEcp1-bla(CTX-M-15)-orf477Δ transposition unit, similar to that found in Tn2, is inserted near the pir gene, flanked by direct repeats.

Conclusions:

  • pJIE143 represents a novel IncX-like plasmid carrying the bla(CTX-M-15) gene.
  • The unique genetic architecture of pJIE143 may explain its failure to be typed by standard methods.
  • This finding highlights the need for advanced sequencing techniques to fully characterize antimicrobial resistance plasmids.

More Related Videos

Characterization of a Pathogenic Escherichia coli Strain Derived from Oreochromis spp. Farms Using Whole-Genome Sequencing09:44

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

Published on: December 23, 2022

Mapping Bacterial Functional Networks and Pathways in Escherichia Coli using Synthetic Genetic Arrays14:06

Mapping Bacterial Functional Networks and Pathways in Escherichia Coli using Synthetic Genetic Arrays

Published on: November 12, 2012

Related Concept Videos

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...
Plasmids01:28

Plasmids

Plasmids are extrachromosomal DNA molecules found in bacteria, archaea, and some eukaryotic microbes like yeast. These small, circular DNA structures typically contain fewer than 30 genes, although some may exist linearly. Plasmids vary in their number within a cell, known as copy number. Single-copy plasmids are present in one copy per cell and multi-copy plasmids are present in multiple copies, reaching over 100 copies per cell.Plasmids usually replicate independently of the chromosomal DNA...
DNA Bacteriophages01:26

DNA Bacteriophages

Bacteriophages, or phages, are viruses that specifically infect bacteria, utilizing their genetic material to hijack host cellular machinery for replication. DNA bacteriophages employ single-stranded DNA (ssDNA) or double-stranded DNA (dsDNA) genomes. These phages exhibit diverse replication strategies and host interactions, influencing their ecological roles and applications in biotechnology and medicine.ssDNA BacteriophagesssDNA phages, with their small genomes, utilize unique strategies to...
Viral Replication: Lytic Cycle01:20

Viral Replication: Lytic Cycle

Bacteriophages, or phages, are viruses that specifically infect bacteria. Among them, T-even bacteriophages, such as T4, exhibit a well-characterized lytic replication cycle in Escherichia coli (E. coli). This process ensures the rapid proliferation of the virus while ultimately leading to the destruction of the bacterial host.Attachment and DNA InjectionThe infection process begins with the recognition and binding of the T4 phage to the E. coli cell surface. Tail fibers of the phage...