IncP-1 R plasmids decrease the serum resistance and the virulence of Pseudomonas aeruginosa

Pseudomonas aeruginosa strain PAO1 was compared to PAO1 strains containing an IncP-1 R plasmid (RP1, R68, or R68.45) in an experimental mouse burn infection model. All R plasmids tested caused a 10- to 400-fold increase in mean lethal dose (LD50). The decrease in virulence produced by plasmids R68 and R68.45 was significantly greater than the decrease caused by the closely related plasmid RP1. All plasmids also led to an increased sensitivity of strain PAO1 to human serum bactericidal activity. Virulence and serum resistance of strain PAO1 were restored by curing of the entire plasmid R68.45 but not by deletions in the plasmid's transfer gene regions.