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Methodology for the Study of Horizontal Gene Transfer in Staphylococcus aureus

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A plasmid for diffusible pigment production in Staphylococcus aureus.

D E Townsend, W B Grubb, D I Annear

The Australian Journal of Experimental Biology and Medical Science

|August 1, 1985

Summary

A Staphylococcus aureus plasmid carrying a pigment gene was identified. Resistance genes, similar to transposon Tn554, were found to insert into the bacterial chromosome during plasmid transduction.

Area of Science:

Microbiology
Molecular Biology
Genetics

Background:

Diffusible pigment production in Staphylococcus aureus strains is often linked to specific plasmids.
Co-transduction of pigment genes with antibiotic resistance markers is a known phenomenon.

Purpose of the Study:

To investigate the genetic basis of diffusible pigment production in Staphylococcus aureus WG260.
To characterize the plasmid associated with pigment production and its relationship with antibiotic resistance determinants.

Main Methods:

Plasmid isolation and characterization.
Transduction experiments to assess co-transfer of pigment and resistance.
Analysis of resistance determinant location and potential for chromosomal insertion.

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Main Results:

A c.26 megadalton plasmid was associated with diffusible pigment production in Staphylococcus aureus WG260.
Inducible erythromycin and spectinomycin resistance determinants, similar to transposon Tn554, were observed to insert into the host chromosome.
The pigment plasmid could be lost while retaining antibiotic resistance, indicating independent genetic elements.
This represents the first report of such a transposon-like element on a plasmid in a clinical Staphylococcus aureus isolate.
The pigment plasmid exists primarily as an open-circular, highly relaxable form.

Conclusions:

The genetic element conferring antibiotic resistance in this strain is likely a transposon that integrates into the chromosome.
Pigment production is plasmid-mediated and separable from the chromosomal antibiotic resistance.
This study highlights novel genetic mechanisms in clinical Staphylococcus aureus isolates.