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Plasmids in throat and genital isolates of meningococci
Abstract:
Plasmids 1.6, 2.8, or greater than 40 megadaltons in size were found in one urethral and nine throat strains of meningococci. Throat meningococci are known to be heterogeneous in their aminopeptidase profiles. Their unexpected content of plasmids is further evidence of their difference from classic systemic strains. Although the 2.8 megadalton plasmid has some resemblance to the well known 2.6 megadalton gonococcal plasmid, restriction enzyme studies gave no evidence of identity. Possible sources of the plasmids are discussed.
Insights
Plasmids were detected in throat strains of meningococci, highlighting their distinctiveness from systemic strains. These findings suggest unique genetic elements in meningococcal throat carriage. Keywords: meningococci, plasmids, throat strains, genetic elements.
Area of Science:
- Microbiology
- Molecular Biology
- Genetics
Background:
- Neisseria meningitidis (meningococci) are significant human pathogens.
- Throat carriage strains of meningococci exhibit diverse aminopeptidase profiles.
- Understanding the genetic makeup of carriage strains is crucial for public health.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the presence and characteristics of plasmids in meningococcal strains isolated from the throat.
- To compare plasmid content between throat and urethral meningococcal isolates.
- To assess the genetic relationship of these plasmids to known meningococcal plasmids.
Main Methods:
- Plasmid DNA was extracted from meningococcal isolates.
- Plasmid sizes were determined using gel electrophoresis.
- Restriction enzyme digestion was performed on selected plasmids.
- Comparison with known gonococcal plasmids was conducted.
Main Results:
- Plasmids ranging from 1.6 to over 40 megadaltons were identified in nine throat strains and one urethral strain.
- The 2.8 megadalton plasmid showed some similarity to the 2.6 megadalton gonococcal plasmid.
- Restriction enzyme analysis did not confirm identity between the 2.8 megadalton meningococcal plasmid and the gonococcal plasmid.
Conclusions:
- The presence of plasmids in throat meningococci provides further evidence of their heterogeneity and divergence from systemic strains.
- The identified plasmids may represent novel genetic elements within meningococcal populations.
- Further research is needed to elucidate the origin and functional significance of these plasmids in meningococcal throat carriage.