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Polynucleotide sequence divergence among some coagulase-negative staphylococci
Zentralblatt Fur Bakteriologie. 1. Abt. Originale. A: Medizinische Mikrobiologie, Infektionskrankheiten Und Parasitologie
|February 1, 1980
Summary
Coagulase-negative staphylococci DNA analysis reveals extensive genetic diversity. Some species, like S. capitis, S. hominis, and S. warneri, show high similarity, suggesting over-classification, while others exhibit significant divergence.
Area of Science:
- Microbiology
- Genetics
- Molecular Biology
Background:
- Coagulase-negative staphylococci (CoNS) are a significant group of bacteria.
- Accurate classification of CoNS is crucial for clinical and epidemiological purposes.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess the genetic relatedness and diversity within nine reference strains of coagulase-negative staphylococci.
- To evaluate the current species delineation within certain CoNS groups based on DNA-DNA hybridization.
Main Methods:
- DNA-DNA hybridization experiments were conducted at exacting and non-exacting temperatures.
- Carbon-14 labeled DNA from reference strains was used to determine binding degrees.
- Divergence indices were calculated, and relationships were visualized using similarity matrices and dendrograms.
Main Results:
- High nucleotide sequence similarity was observed among strains identified as Staphylococcus capitis, S. hominis, and S. warneri, suggesting potential over-speciation.
- Low homology was found between strains representing S. cohnii and S. haemolyticus.
- Extensive genetic diversity was evident across the studied coagulase-negative staphylococci, primarily attributed to random mutation.
Conclusions:
- The current species boundaries for some coagulase-negative staphylococci may require revision due to high genetic similarity.
- Coagulase-negative staphylococci display significant genetic heterogeneity, driven by evolutionary processes like mutation.