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Effect of detergents on pathogenicity plasmids of escherichias
Krivoshein YuS1, Achkasova YuN, N I Bryzgunova
1Crimean Medical Institute, Department of Microbiology, Simferopol, USSR.
Abstract:
The study dealth with effects of cationic detergents miramistin (alkylamidopropyldimethylbenzylammonium chloride), catamine AB (alkyldimethylbenzylammonium chloride) and the anionic compound sodium dodecyl sulphate (SDS) on the elimination from E. coli cells of plasmids determining the Hly, Ent and, indirectly, Col, F, and R markers of pathogenicity as well as their transfer upon conjugation. At subbacteriostatic concentrations, miramistin and catamine AB were found to suppress the transfer of Hly, Ent, F, and R plasmids during conjugation when applied to the donor, recipient or added to the conjugation medium without, however, eliminating plasmids. This is due to the disruption by detergents of F, J pili and other surface cell structures resulting in diminished ability to conjugate. Anionic SDS eliminated F and R plasmids without affecting Hly, Ent and Col.
Insights
Cationic detergents like miramistin and catamine AB inhibit plasmid transfer in E. coli by disrupting cell structures, while anionic SDS eliminates specific plasmids. These findings impact understanding of bacterial conjugation and antibiotic resistance.
Area of Science:
- Microbiology
- Molecular Biology
- Biochemistry
Background:
- Plasmids confer pathogenicity markers (Hly, Ent, Col, F, R) in E. coli.
- Bacterial conjugation is a key mechanism for plasmid transfer and antimicrobial resistance dissemination.
- Detergents can affect bacterial cell structures and functions.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the effects of cationic (miramistin, catamine AB) and anionic (SDS) detergents on plasmid elimination and transfer in E. coli.
- To elucidate the mechanisms by which these detergents impact bacterial conjugation.
Main Methods:
- Exposure of E. coli strains to subbacteriostatic concentrations of miramistin, catamine AB, and SDS.
- Assessment of plasmid elimination and transfer frequencies via conjugation assays.
- Microscopic examination of bacterial surface structures.
Main Results:
- Cationic detergents miramistin and catamine AB suppressed plasmid transfer (Hly, Ent, F, R) without elimination, attributed to disruption of pili and surface structures.
- Anionic SDS eliminated F and R plasmids but did not affect Hly, Ent, or Col plasmids.
- Detergent action was concentration-dependent and affected donor, recipient, or conjugation medium.
Conclusions:
- Cationic detergents interfere with bacterial conjugation by impairing surface structures essential for mating pair formation.
- Anionic SDS exhibits plasmid-specific elimination activity, suggesting different mechanisms of action.
- These findings offer insights into potential strategies for controlling plasmid-mediated gene transfer in bacteria.