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Detection of a novel chloramphenicol resistance plasmid from "equine" Staphylococcus sciuri
Abstract:
A small chloramphenicol resistance (Cm) plasmid of 4.65 kB could be detected in an "equine" Staphylococcus sciuri-culture. This plasmid, designated as pSC3, was identified by interspecific protoplast transformation. On the basis of restriction endonuclease analyses a detailed restriction map of pSC3 could be constructed. This allowed structural comparisons of pSC3 with Cm-plasmids of other staphylococcal species from infections of humans and animals and identification of pSC3 as a member of the pC 221-family of staphylococcal Cm-plasmids. The pSC3-plasmid encoded an inducible chloramphenicol acetyltransferase as confirmed by enzymatic assays. This enzyme could be demonstrated in cell-free lysates of Cm-induced pSC3-transformants.
Insights
A novel chloramphenicol resistance plasmid, pSC3, was identified in equine Staphylococcus sciuri. This plasmid belongs to the pC 221 family and encodes an inducible chloramphenicol acetyltransferase enzyme.
Area of Science:
- Microbiology
- Molecular Biology
- Veterinary Science
Background:
- Antibiotic resistance is a growing concern in both human and animal health.
- Plasmids are key vectors for the spread of antibiotic resistance genes.
- Staphylococcus sciuri is an emerging pathogen in equine infections.
Purpose of the Study:
- To identify and characterize chloramphenicol resistance plasmids in equine Staphylococcus sciuri.
- To determine the genetic relatedness of the identified plasmid to known resistance plasmids.
- To confirm the mechanism of chloramphenicol resistance encoded by the plasmid.
Main Methods:
- Isolation and detection of plasmids from Staphylococcus sciuri.
- Interspecific protoplast transformation for plasmid identification.
- Restriction endonuclease analysis for detailed mapping.
- Enzymatic assays to confirm enzyme activity.
Main Results:
- A 4.65 kB chloramphenicol resistance plasmid, designated pSC3, was detected in equine Staphylococcus sciuri.
- Restriction mapping revealed pSC3 is a member of the pC 221 family of staphylococcal plasmids.
- Enzymatic assays confirmed pSC3 encodes an inducible chloramphenicol acetyltransferase.
Conclusions:
- The pSC3 plasmid contributes to chloramphenicol resistance in equine Staphylococcus sciuri.
- The plasmid's genetic similarity to other staphylococcal plasmids suggests potential for interspecies transfer.
- Understanding plasmid-mediated resistance in animal pathogens is crucial for effective treatment strategies.