Plasmid analysis of 26 staphylococcal species by a rapid microscale technique.
OBJECTIVE
Evaluate a plasmid typing technique for a diverse group of staphylococci.


METHODS
In vitro testing on known isolates.


METHODS
University hospital.


METHODS
The plasmid content of 195 isolates representing 26 staphylococcal species was analyzed by agarose gel electrophoresis following lysostaphin-alkaline-SDS lysis, with and without acetone treatment.


RESULTS
Isolates yielded plasmid profiles with 0 to 7 extra-chromosomal bands (median, 1; 1.5); 171 (88%) had a profile with at least 1 band. Species with more than one isolate available for testing showed considerable diversity of plasmid profiles, except for Staphylococcus haemolyticus.


CONCLUSIONS
The ease of the procedure and the diversity of plasmid profiles within each species examined suggests that plasmid profiling is an accessible and useful epidemiologic tool applicable to most staphylococcal species by epidemiologic units or clinical laboratories.
Department of Internal Medicine, Ohio State University College of Medicine, Columbus, USA.
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Herchline
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Maher
D015373:Bacterial Typing Techniques; D004587:Electrophoresis, Agar Gel; D006801:Humans; D010957:Plasmids / Q000032:analysis*; D013210:Staphylococcus / Q000145:classification* / Q000235:genetics / Q000302:isolation & purification