Genes in Neisseria lactamica and Pathogenic Neisseria
Author Information
Author(s): Lori A. Snyder, Nigel J. Saunders
Primary Institution: University of Oxford
Hypothesis
Which genes associated with virulence in pathogenic Neisseria are also present in the non-pathogenic Neisseria lactamica?
Conclusion
Most genes considered virulence genes in pathogenic Neisseria are also found in Neisseria lactamica, which is not pathogenic.
Supporting Evidence
- 85 out of 127 assessed virulence genes were found in N. lactamica.
- 1,373 out of 1,473 probes for genes common to pathogenic Neisseria hybridized with N. lactamica.
- Thirteen unrelated strains of N. lactamica were used to ensure diversity in the study.
Takeaway
This study found that many of the genes that make some Neisseria bacteria harmful are also found in a harmless cousin, showing that being harmful isn't just about having certain genes.
Methodology
Thirteen strains of N. lactamica were assessed using comparative genome hybridization to a microarray designed for Neisseria species.
Limitations
The study's findings may be influenced by the microarray design and the presence of divergent alleles.
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
Want to read the original?
Access the complete publication on the publisher's website