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Heterogeneity of rRNA gene restriction patterns of multiresistant serotype 6B Streptococcus pneumoniae strains
H Harakeh1, G S Bosley, J A Keihlbauch
1Biology Department, American University of Beirut, Lebanon.
Abstract:
Three multiresistant serotype 6B Streptococcus pneumoniae strains were isolated from the middle ear fluids of children undergoing tympanostomy in Atlanta. Because multiresistant 6B pneumococci have been reported to spread from a single clone, the three isolates were compared with 13 other multiresistant 6B pneumococci by hybridization of endonuclease-restricted DNA fragments with a digoxigenin-labeled cDNA probe complementary to 16 and 23S rRNAs (ribotyping). The ear isolates were heterogeneous, whereas six of the other pneumococcal isolates were alike, indicating a need for additional studies to determine the possibility of clonal spread.
Insights
Multiresistant Streptococcus pneumoniae serotype 6B strains from children's ear infections showed genetic diversity. Further studies are needed to confirm if these antibiotic-resistant bacteria spread through clonal transmission.
Area of Science:
- Microbiology
- Genetics
- Public Health
Background:
- Multiresistant Streptococcus pneumoniae serotype 6B strains are a growing concern.
- Previous reports suggest clonal spread of specific multiresistant pneumococcal strains.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the genetic relatedness of multiresistant serotype 6B Streptococcus pneumoniae isolates from pediatric tympanostomy cases.
- To assess the potential for clonal spread among these antibiotic-resistant bacteria.
Main Methods:
- Isolation of Streptococcus pneumoniae from middle ear fluid samples.
- Ribotyping using DNA hybridization with a digoxigenin-labeled rRNA probe.
- Comparison of patient isolates with other known multiresistant 6B pneumococci.
Main Results:
- The three Streptococcus pneumoniae isolates from ear infections exhibited genetic heterogeneity.
- Six of the 13 other compared multiresistant 6B pneumococcal isolates showed identical ribotypes.
- The patient isolates did not match the predominant clone found in other isolates.
Conclusions:
- The genetic diversity observed in the ear isolates suggests they may not originate from the same predominant clone.
- Additional research is required to definitively determine the clonal spread potential of multiresistant 6B pneumococci in clinical settings.