Abstract
Plasmids from the first six reported β-lactamase-producing (Bla+) enterococci were compared for genetic relatedness. Bla+ enterococcal plasmids from strains isolated in Houston, Tex.; Philadelphia, Pa.; Connecticut; and Pittsburgh, Pa., had heterogeneous HaeIII and MspI-ClaI restriction endonuclease digestion patterns. A staphylococcal β-lactamase probe hybridized to all six Bla+ enterococcal plasmids, but hybridization was detected on different HaeIII and MspI-ClaI fragments of the six plasmids. An enterococcal gentamicin resistance (Gm(r)) probe hybridized to a common 3.9-kilobase HaeIII fragment from the five Gm(r) plasmids. The Houston plasmid was cross-hybridized to the other five strains, and moderate to extensive homology was demonstrated. Bla+ enterococcal plasmids from a broad geographic range are heterogeneous with respect to size and restriction endonuclease digestion patterns but contain homologous genetic material, including Bla+ and Gm(r) determinants.
Original language | English (US) |
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Pages (from-to) | 302-305 |
Number of pages | 4 |
Journal | Antimicrobial agents and chemotherapy |
Volume | 34 |
Issue number | 2 |
DOIs | |
State | Published - 1990 |
Externally published | Yes |
ASJC Scopus subject areas
- Pharmacology (medical)
- Infectious Diseases
- Pharmacology