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Molecular studies and possible relatedness between R plasmids from groups B and D streptococci
Antimicrobial Agents and Chemotherapy
|July 1, 1978
Summary
Three resistance plasmids from Streptococcus species showed high DNA similarity, suggesting a common origin or transferability. This finding is crucial for understanding antibiotic resistance spread in bacteria.
Area of Science:
- Microbiology
- Molecular Biology
- Genetics
Background:
- Antibiotic resistance is a growing public health concern.
- Plasmids are key mobile genetic elements mediating antibiotic resistance in bacteria.
- Streptococcus species, including Streptococcus agalactiae (group B) and Streptococcus faecalis (group D), are significant human pathogens.
Purpose of the Study:
- To compare resistance plasmids from Streptococcus agalactiae and Streptococcus faecalis.
- To investigate the genetic relatedness of these plasmids.
- To understand the potential for inter-strain and inter-group plasmid transfer.
Main Methods:
- Isolation and characterization of resistance plasmids.
- Determination of plasmid molecular weights.
- DNA-DNA hybridization experiments to assess homology.
Main Results:
- Three plasmids (pIP501, pIP612, pIP613) conferred identical resistance patterns (erythromycin, lincomycin, streptogramin B).
- These plasmids exhibited similar molecular weights (17.6-22.7 x 10^6 Da).
- DNA-DNA hybridization revealed high homology (90-100%) among the three plasmids.
Conclusions:
- The high DNA homology suggests a common ancestral origin for these Streptococcus plasmids.
- The findings support the possibility of plasmid transfer between unrelated Streptococcus strains.
- This inter-strain and inter-group transfer mechanism could contribute to the dissemination of antibiotic resistance.