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Published on: February 24, 2023

The detection of penicillin insensitivity in Neisseria meningitidis by polymerase chain reaction

A F Maggs1, J M Logan, P E Carter

  • 1Department of Medical Microbiology, University of Dundee Medical School, Ninewells Hospital, UK.

The Journal of Antimicrobial Chemotherapy
|October 24, 1998
PubMed

Insights

Penicillin resistance in Neisseria meningitidis is linked to changes in the penicillin-binding protein 2 gene, detected via polymerase chain reaction (PCR). These genetic alterations, possibly from horizontal gene transfer, impact antibiotic effectiveness.

Area of Science:

  • Microbiology
  • Molecular Biology
  • Genetics

Background:

  • Neisseria meningitidis is a significant human pathogen.
  • Antibiotic resistance, particularly to penicillin, is a growing concern in bacterial infections.
  • Understanding the genetic basis of penicillin resistance is crucial for effective treatment.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the genetic alterations in the penicillin-binding protein 2 gene associated with penicillin resistance in Neisseria meningitidis.
  • To evaluate the utility of polymerase chain reaction (PCR) for detecting these genetic changes.

Main Methods:

  • Analysis of penicillin-sensitive and -insensitive Neisseria meningitidis strains.
  • Use of various PCR primers targeting the meningococcal penicillin-binding protein 2 gene.
  • Determination of minimum inhibitory concentrations (MICs) for penicillin.

Main Results:

  • Penicillin-sensitive strains (MIC <0.2 mg/L) showed consistent PCR amplification patterns.
  • Penicillin-insensitive strains (MIC >0.25 mg/L) exhibited altered PCR amplification, with some failing to produce expected product sizes.
  • Observed genetic changes in resistant strains suggest horizontal gene transfer, potentially from Neisseria flavescens.

Conclusions:

  • PCR is a valuable tool for detecting genetic changes associated with penicillin resistance in Neisseria meningitidis.
  • Horizontal gene transfer appears to play a role in the emergence of penicillin resistance.
  • Further research is needed to identify the sources of gene transfer in all resistant isolates.

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