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Plasmids of Yersinia enterocolitica and Yersinia pseudotuberculosis: analysis with restriction endonucleases
K Wartenberg1, J Weninger, M Röllinghoff
1Institut für Klinische Mikrobiologie, Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg.
Abstract:
The plasmids of Yersinia enterocolitica and Yersinia pseudotuberculosis tested differed in regard to the following aspect: there were some of a molecular size of 41 to 47 Mdal which could be correlated with autoagglutination of the host bacteria, and the others with a smaller size of 19 to 34 Mdal that lacked the capacity to code for autoagglutination. Analysis of both types of plasmids with the restriction endonucleases Bam HI, Eco RI and Hind III besides of some similarities revealed also considerable serogroup-specific differences in their DNA fragmentation pattern.
Insights
Yersinia plasmids of different sizes correlate with autoagglutination. Larger plasmids (41-47 Mdal) promote autoagglutination, while smaller ones (19-34 Mdal) do not. DNA analysis revealed serogroup-specific differences.
Area of Science:
- Microbiology
- Molecular Biology
- Genetics
Background:
- Yersinia enterocolitica and Yersinia pseudotuberculosis are Gram-negative bacteria.
- Plasmids play a significant role in bacterial virulence and adaptation.
- Autoagglutination is a characteristic observed in some bacterial strains.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the relationship between plasmid size and autoagglutination in Yersinia species.
- To analyze the DNA structure of plasmids associated with autoagglutination.
- To identify serogroup-specific variations in Yersinia plasmids.
Main Methods:
- Plasmid isolation and molecular size determination (Mdal).
- Correlation analysis between plasmid size and autoagglutination phenotype.
- Restriction endonuclease digestion (Bam HI, Eco RI, Hind III) for DNA fragmentation analysis.
Main Results:
- Two distinct plasmid size groups were identified: 41-47 Mdal (correlated with autoagglutination) and 19-34 Mdal (lacking autoagglutination capacity).
- Restriction enzyme analysis revealed similarities but also significant serogroup-specific differences in the DNA fragmentation patterns of the plasmids.
Conclusions:
- Plasmid size is a key factor determining the autoagglutination capability in the studied Yersinia strains.
- The DNA sequences of these plasmids exhibit variability, indicating potential evolutionary divergence and serogroup-specific adaptations.