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Plasmid profiles of Mycobacterium avium complex isolated from swine

S Masaki1, T Konishi, G Sugimori

  • 1Aburahi Laboratories Shionogi & Ltd., Shiga.

Microbiology and Immunology
|January 1, 1989
PubMed

Insights

Mycobacterium avium complex (MAC) strains from pigs and humans were studied for drug resistance and plasmids. Small plasmids in swine MAC were genetically similar to those in human MAC, but no link to drug resistance was found.

Area of Science:

  • Microbiology
  • Genetics
  • Veterinary Medicine

Background:

  • Mycobacterium avium complex (MAC) is an opportunistic pathogen affecting both humans and animals.
  • Understanding the genetic relatedness and drug resistance mechanisms of MAC strains is crucial for public health and veterinary diagnostics.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the drug susceptibility and plasmid content of MAC strains isolated from swine and humans.
  • To determine the genetic relationship between swine and human MAC plasmids.

Main Methods:

  • Drug susceptibility testing was performed on 20 swine and 5 human MAC strains.
  • Plasmid DNA was extracted and analyzed for molecular weight.
  • Southern DNA-DNA hybridization was used to assess nucleotide-level homology between plasmids.

Main Results:

  • Plasmid DNA was detected in 4 swine and 2 human MAC strains, with varying molecular weights.
  • No correlation was observed between the presence of plasmids and drug resistance.
  • Small plasmids from swine MAC strains showed significant homology to those from human MAC strains.

Conclusions:

  • Swine and human MAC strains can harbor similar small plasmids.
  • The genetic similarity of these plasmids suggests potential transmission or shared ancestry.
  • Plasmid content does not appear to be a determinant of drug resistance in the studied MAC strains.

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