Related Experiment Videos
[Detection of penicillinase and bacteriocinogenicity plasmids in Staphylococcus aureus strain No. 580]
Abstract:
Staphylococcus aureus No. 580 strain contains simultaneously two plasmids: bacteriocinogenicity plasmid and penicillinase plasmid. Both plasmids are lost spontaneously with a high frequency, and also under the effect of acridine orange at temperatures of 37 degrees C and 44 degrees C, and in cultivation at a temperature of 44 degrees C for 5 days. Loss of one of the plasmids failed to lead to stabilization of another plasmid, and it was eliminated spontaneously with the same frequency as in the population of the initial strain. Plasmid loss did not lead to the changes in biochemical and pathogenic properties and also of the phagovar and bacteriogenovar. At the same time in elimination of one or both plasmids lag-phase diminished from 220 to 120 min.
Insights
Staphylococcus aureus strain 580 spontaneously loses its bacteriocinogenicity and penicillinase plasmids frequently. Plasmid loss did not alter bacterial traits but reduced lag-phase duration.
Area of Science:
- Microbiology
- Bacteriology
- Molecular Biology
Context:
- Staphylococcus aureus strain 580 harbors both bacteriocinogenicity and penicillinase plasmids.
- These plasmids are prone to spontaneous loss and can be eliminated by acridine orange treatment or elevated temperatures (37°C, 44°C).
Purpose:
- To investigate the stability and impact of plasmid loss in Staphylococcus aureus strain 580.
- To determine if the loss of one plasmid affects the stability of the other.
Summary:
- Both bacteriocinogenicity and penicillinase plasmids are frequently lost spontaneously and under specific environmental conditions (acridine orange, elevated temperatures).
- Elimination of one plasmid did not stabilize the remaining plasmid; both were lost at similar frequencies.
- Plasmid loss did not affect the strain's biochemical properties, pathogenicity, phagovar, or bacteriogenovar.
- A significant outcome of plasmid elimination was a reduction in the lag-phase duration from 220 to 120 minutes.
Impact:
- This study reveals insights into plasmid dynamics in Staphylococcus aureus.
- Understanding plasmid instability is crucial for managing antibiotic resistance and bacteriocin production.
- The observed reduction in lag-phase suggests a metabolic or growth advantage conferred by plasmid loss.