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Frequency of plasmids in strains of Acinetobacter calcoaceticus
1Staphylococcus Laboratory, Statens Seruminstitut, Copenhagen, Denmark.
Abstract:
Plasmids were found in 75 out of 93 clinical isolates of Acinetobacter calcoaceticus. The strains harboured up to 20 plasmids each, with two-thirds containing two or more. Most plasmids were smaller than 15 Md. Strains of A. Iwoffi contained more plasmids than A. anitratus. Plasmid analysis may be an easy and valuable tool in the epidemiology of A. calcoaceticus, especially in conjunction with other typing methods.
Insights
Plasmids are common in Acinetobacter calcoaceticus clinical isolates, with most strains carrying multiple plasmids. Plasmid profiling offers a valuable tool for Acinetobacter epidemiology.
Area of Science:
- Microbiology
- Molecular Biology
- Epidemiology
Background:
- Acinetobacter calcoaceticus is a clinically significant bacterium.
- Understanding the genetic elements within bacterial isolates is crucial for epidemiological studies.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the presence and characteristics of plasmids in clinical isolates of Acinetobacter calcoaceticus.
- To evaluate the utility of plasmid analysis in the epidemiology of Acinetobacter.
Main Methods:
- Plasmid DNA was extracted from 93 clinical isolates of Acinetobacter calcoaceticus.
- Plasmid profiles were analyzed to determine the number, size, and distribution of plasmids.
- Comparison of plasmid content between different Acinetobacter species (A. Iwoffi and A. anitratus).
Main Results:
- Plasmids were detected in 75 out of 93 (approximately 81%) clinical isolates.
- Isolates harbored up to 20 plasmids, with two-thirds containing two or more plasmids.
- The majority of plasmids were smaller than 15 Md. Strains of A. Iwoffi showed a higher plasmid carriage than A. anitratus.
Conclusions:
- Plasmids are frequently found in clinical isolates of Acinetobacter calcoaceticus.
- Plasmid analysis, particularly when combined with other typing methods, serves as an effective tool for Acinetobacter epidemiology.