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Common beta-lactamase-specifying plasmid in Haemophilus ducreyi and Neisseria gonorrhoeae
Abstract:
Eighty-nine strains of Haemophilus ducreyi from a chancroid epidemic in Orange County, California, were examined for plasmid content. Seventy-eight (88%) of these isolates were found to contain a plasmid of 3.2 megadaltons which conferred beta-lactamase production. Restriction endonuclease digests indicated that this was the same plasmid that was found in some strains of beta-lactamase-producing Neisseria gonorrhoeae.
Insights
A common 3.2-megadalton plasmid conferring beta-lactamase production was identified in 88% of Haemophilus ducreyi strains during a California chancroid epidemic. This plasmid matches one found in beta-lactamase-producing Neisseria gonorrhoeae.
Area of Science:
- Microbiology
- Plasmid Biology
- Antimicrobial Resistance
Background:
- Chancroid, a sexually transmitted infection, is caused by Haemophilus ducreyi.
- Beta-lactamase production confers resistance to penicillin-class antibiotics.
- Plasmid-mediated beta-lactamase is a significant factor in antimicrobial resistance.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the plasmid content of Haemophilus ducreyi strains isolated during a chancroid epidemic.
- To determine if a specific plasmid is associated with beta-lactamase production in these strains.
- To compare the identified plasmid with those found in other bacterial species.
Main Methods:
- Plasmid DNA extraction from 89 Haemophilus ducreyi isolates.
- Agarose gel electrophoresis to determine plasmid size.
- Restriction endonuclease digestion to analyze plasmid DNA.
- Comparison of restriction patterns with known plasmids.
Main Results:
- Seventy-eight (88%) of the 89 Haemophilus ducreyi isolates contained a 3.2-megadalton plasmid.
- This plasmid was found to confer beta-lactamase production.
- Restriction endonuclease digestion revealed the plasmid to be identical to a plasmid found in beta-lactamase-producing Neisseria gonorrhoeae strains.
Conclusions:
- A specific 3.2-megadalton plasmid is prevalent in Haemophilus ducreyi strains causing a chancroid epidemic.
- This plasmid confers beta-lactamase production, potentially contributing to antibiotic resistance.
- The shared plasmid between Haemophilus ducreyi and Neisseria gonorrhoeae suggests possible horizontal gene transfer and has implications for treatment strategies.