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Journal of clinical microbiology1991; 29(12); 2696-2700; doi: 10.1128/jcm.29.12.2696-2700.1991

Rhodococcus equi plasmids: isolation and partial characterization.

Abstract: Fifty-four strains of Rhodococcus equi from different clinical sources (mainly horses and pigs) were examined for their plasmid content by two screening methods. Plasmids were detected in 49 of 54 strains. A plasmid of approximately 80 kb was isolated from 21 of 22 isolates from horses and 20 of 28 isolates from pigs, and a 105-kb plasmid was isolated from 7 of 28 isolates from pigs. The 80-kb plasmid was significantly associated with strains of equine rather than porcine origin, and the 105-kb plasmid was significantly associated with strains of porcine origin. The type strain, ATCC 6939, consistently failed to yield a plasmid. Restriction enzyme analysis of purified plasmid DNA confirmed the relatedness of the 80-kb plasmids isolated from strains of equine and porcine origin. More differences between the restriction patterns of plasmids from strains isolated from horses and from pigs than among strains from either species were observed. Restriction enzyme analysis also showed relatedness of the 105-kb plasmid to the 80-kb plasmid. Three strains shown by others to be virulent in horses or mice possessed the 80-kb plasmid, whereas three other strains not virulent for horses or mice lacked the plasmid, although one had the 105-kb plasmid. There was a significant but not perfect association between the presence of the 80-kb plasmid and production of a diffuse 17.5-kDa thermoregulated, virulence-associated protein. Further study is needed to determine whether this plasmid is associated with virulence in R. equi.
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Publication Date: 1991-12-01 PubMed ID: 1757535PubMed Central: PMC270416DOI: 10.1128/jcm.29.12.2696-2700.1991Google Scholar: Lookup
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  • Non-U.S. Gov't

Summary

This research summary has been generated with artificial intelligence and may contain errors and omissions. Refer to the original study to confirm details provided. Submit correction.

The research investigates the occurrence and characteristics of plasmids inside strains of Rhodococcus equi, specifically in pigs and horses. The study found that the presence of certain plasmid types may be linked to the virulence of this bacterium in these animal species.

Research Method and Findings

  • The study screened 54 strains of Rhodococcus equi collected from different clinical sources, mainly horses and pigs for the presence of plasmids.
  • Plasmids were detected in 49 out of 54 of the strains. It was noted that the primary plasmids found were of sizes 80kb and 105kb.
  • The 80kb plasmid was predominantly found in strains originating from horses, with 21 out of 22 horse strains having this plasmid. Additionally, this plasmid was present in 20 out of 28 pig strains.
  • On the other hand, the 105kb plasmid was prominently associated with pig strains, as it was found in 7 out of 28 pig isolates.

Characterization of the Plasmids

  • An enzymatic analysis technique (restriction enzyme analysis) was used to understand the characteristics and relationship between the 80kb and 105kb plasmids.
  • The analysis confirmed some degree of relatedness between the 80kb plasmids isolated from both horse and pig strains.
  • However, more differences were observed when comparing plasmids from horse strains to those from pig strains than when comparing plasmids within those from the same species.
  • The analysis also showed that the 105kb plasmid was related to the 80kb plasmid.

Association with Virulence

  • The 80kb plasmid was found in three strains that were previously shown to be virulent in horses or mice.
  • Three strains that lacked the 80kb plasmid were not virulent for horses or mice.
  • One of these non-virulent strains however had the 105kb plasmid.
  • The presence of the 80kb plasmid was significantly but not perfectly associated with production of a specific protein, which is thermoregulated and associated with virulence.

What’s Next?

  • Despite these findings, more research is necessary to definitively determine if there is an association between these plasmids and virulence in Rhodococcus equi.

Cite This Article

APA
Tkachuk-Saad O, Prescott J. (1991). Rhodococcus equi plasmids: isolation and partial characterization. J Clin Microbiol, 29(12), 2696-2700. https://doi.org/10.1128/jcm.29.12.2696-2700.1991

Publication

Journal of clinical microbiology
ISSN: 0095-1137
NlmUniqueID: 7505564
Country: United States
Language: English
Volume: 29
Issue: 12
Pages: 2696-2700

Researcher Affiliations

Tkachuk-Saad, O
  • Department of Veterinary Microbiology and Immunology, University of Guelph, Ontario, Canada.
Prescott, J

    MeSH Terms

    • Animals
    • Bacterial Proteins / genetics
    • Bacterial Proteins / isolation & purification
    • Cats
    • Horses
    • Mice
    • Molecular Weight
    • Plasmids
    • Restriction Mapping
    • Rhodococcus equi / genetics
    • Rhodococcus equi / isolation & purification
    • Rhodococcus equi / pathogenicity
    • Swine
    • Virulence

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    Citations

    This article has been cited 42 times.
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