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Characterization of IS1272, an insertion sequence-like element from Staphylococcus haemolyticus
G L Archer1, J A Thanassi, D M Niemeyer
1Department of Microbiology/Immunology, Medical College of Virginia, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond 23298-0049, USA. GARCHER@GEMS.VCU.EDU
Antimicrobial Agents and Chemotherapy
|April 1, 1996
Summary
A novel insertion sequence element, IS1272, was identified in Staphylococcus haemolyticus. This element is prevalent in methicillin-resistant staphylococcal isolates across multiple species, suggesting its role in antibiotic resistance dissemination.
Area of Science:
- Microbiology
- Genetics
- Molecular Biology
Background:
- Methicillin resistance in staphylococci is often linked to deletions in regulatory genes (mecR1 and mecI).
- Previous work indicated that Staphylococcus haemolyticus isolates can harbor partial deletions in these regulatory genes.
Purpose of the Study:
- To characterize a novel DNA element found in Staphylococcus haemolyticus.
- To investigate the distribution and potential role of this element in staphylococcal antibiotic resistance.
Main Methods:
- DNA sequencing of cloned elements from S. haemolyticus.
- Database searches for sequence homology.
- Hybridization studies using DNA probes from the element against genomic DNA from various staphylococcal species.
Main Results:
- Identified and sequenced a 1,934-bp insertion sequence element, IS1272, in S. haemolyticus with terminal inverted repeats and two open reading frames.
- IS1272 is present in multiple intact copies in S. haemolyticus.
- Incomplete fragments of IS1272 were found in S. aureus and S. epidermidis, with higher prevalence in methicillin-resistant strains.
Conclusions:
- IS1272 is a mobile genetic element primarily found in S. haemolyticus.
- IS1272 has disseminated to other staphylococcal species and is associated with methicillin resistance.
- The element's prevalence in multiresistant isolates suggests a role in the spread of antibiotic resistance.