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Conjugative plasmids in Neisseria gonorrhoeae
Journal of Bacteriology
|April 1, 1978
Summary
A conjugation system in Neisseria gonorrhoeae facilitated the transfer of R plasmids, enabling penicillinase production. This plasmid transfer system existed in gonococci even before the emergence of penicillinase-producing strains.
Area of Science:
- Microbiology
- Genetics
- Molecular Biology
Background:
- Neisseria gonorrhoeae plasmids mediate antibiotic resistance.
- Beta-lactamase (penicillinase) production is a key resistance mechanism.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the plasmid conjugation system in Neisseria gonorrhoeae.
- To determine the origin and prevalence of conjugative plasmids in gonococci.
Main Methods:
- Plasmid isolation and characterization.
- Conjugation experiments to assess plasmid transfer efficiency.
- Restriction endonuclease digestion to compare plasmid DNA.
Main Results:
- A self-transmissible plasmid, pFA2, mediated the mobilization of R plasmids encoding beta-lactamase into other bacteria.
- Conjugative plasmids were found in 8% of non-penicillinase-producing gonococci.
- These conjugative plasmids were similar to pFA2 but less efficient in mobilizing the penicillinase plasmid pFA3.
Conclusions:
- A plasmid conjugation system for R plasmid transfer predates the appearance of penicillinase-producing strains in Neisseria gonorrhoeae.
- Conjugative plasmids are present in gonococci and can transfer antibiotic resistance genes.