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Evidence for plasmid-mediated toxin production inBacillus cereus BIS-59
1Food Technology and Enzyme Engineering Division, Bhabha Atomic Research Centre, 400 085, Bombay, India.
A 7.6 megadalton plasmid in Bacillus cereus, isolated from irradiated shrimp, was found to encode the non-haemolytic toxin gene. The haemolytic toxin production was unaffected by plasmid loss.
Area of Science:
- Microbiology
- Molecular Biology
- Food Science
Background:
- Bacillus cereus is a foodborne pathogen known to produce toxins.
- Understanding the genetic basis of toxin production is crucial for food safety.
- Radiation pasteurization is used to reduce microbial load in foods like shrimp.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the genetic basis of toxin production in a specific Bacillus cereus strain.
- To determine the role of a 7.6 megadalton plasmid in toxinogenicity.
Main Methods:
- Isolation of Bacillus cereus from irradiated shrimp.
- Plasmid curing using Acridine Orange.
- Analysis of haemolytic and non-haemolytic toxin production post-curing.
Main Results:
- The studied Bacillus cereus strain harbored a 7.6 megadalton plasmid.
- Cells cured of the plasmid retained haemolytic toxin production.
- Non-haemolytic toxin production was abolished in plasmid-cured cells.
Conclusions:
- The 7.6 megadalton plasmid likely encodes the gene(s) responsible for non-haemolytic toxin production in this Bacillus cereus strain.
- Plasmid-mediated toxin production is a key factor in the pathogenicity of Bacillus cereus.
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