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The ecology of gonococcal plasmids.
Journal of General Microbiology
|October 1, 1979
Summary
Most Neisseria gonorrhoeae strains carry plasmids, with many containing a large plasmid group that shares common DNA sequences. This research analyzed plasmid content in 261 bacterial strains.
Area of Science:
- Microbiology
- Molecular Biology
- Genetics
Background:
- Neisseria gonorrhoeae is a significant human pathogen.
- Plasmids are extrachromosomal DNA elements that can confer traits like antibiotic resistance.
- Understanding gonococcal plasmids is crucial for tracking bacterial evolution and virulence.
Purpose of the Study:
- To characterize the plasmid content of Neisseria gonorrhoeae strains.
- To investigate the genetic relatedness of large plasmids found in these strains.
Main Methods:
- Screening of 261 Neisseria gonorrhoeae isolates for plasmid DNA.
- Analysis of plasmid size and quantity.
- Restriction enzyme digestion and DNA-DNA hybridization to assess sequence homology.
Main Results:
- 6 strains (2.3%) were plasmid-free.
- 217 strains (83.1%) contained a small, multicopy plasmid (2.6 x 10^6 daltons).
- 38 strains (14.6%) harbored a large plasmid (24.5 x 10^6 daltons).
- Large plasmids isolated between 1940 and 1978 showed high DNA sequence similarity (70-100%), indicating a common origin.
Conclusions:
- Neisseria gonorrhoeae frequently harbors plasmids, predominantly a small, multicopy type or a large, distinct type.
- The large plasmids represent a closely related group, suggesting conserved genetic elements.
- Further research into these plasmid types could offer insights into gonococcal epidemiology and pathogenesis.