Transfer of the Enterococcus faecalis Pathogenicity Island
Author Information
Author(s): Laverde Gomez Jenny A., Hendrickx Antoni P. A., Willems Rob J., Top Janetta, Sava Irina, Huebner Johannes, Witte Wolfgang, Werner Guido
Primary Institution: Wernigerode Branch, Robert Koch Institute, Wernigerode, Germany
Hypothesis
Can the entire pathogenicity island of Enterococcus faecalis be precisely excised, circularized, and transferred horizontally?
Conclusion
The study demonstrates that the entire pathogenicity island of Enterococcus faecalis can be precisely excised and transferred to other strains.
Supporting Evidence
- The pathogenicity island was shown to enhance biofilm formation and cytolytic activity in transconjugants.
- Transfer of the pathogenicity island was confirmed by PCR analysis.
- Statistical analysis indicated significant differences in esp expression between transconjugants and recipient strains.
Takeaway
Scientists found that a piece of DNA that helps bacteria cause disease can move between different bacteria, which might make them more dangerous.
Methodology
The study used filter mating conjugation to transfer the pathogenicity island and analyzed the results using PCR and Southern hybridization.
Limitations
The study did not explore the long-term effects of the pathogenicity island transfer on bacterial populations.
Statistical Information
P-Value
p<0.05
Statistical Significance
p<0.05
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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