Variation in selected regions of blaTEM genes and promoters in Haemophilus influenzae.
OBJECTIVE
To determine if the TEM beta-lactamases of Haemophilus influenzae are TEM-1 or derivatives thereof and associated exclusively with the overlapping Pa/Pb promoters.


METHODS
Single nucleotide specific PCR was used to discriminate the polymorphic nucleotides at positions 32 and 317 of the bla(TEM) genes of a collection of TEM-positive strains.


RESULTS
All bla(TEM) genes were found to be bla(TEM-1) or derivatives thereof and none bla(TEM-2). The bla(TEM) genes were associated with the P3 promoter, the Pa/Pb promoters or a novel promoter produced as a result of a 135 bp deletion and a G162T substitution.


CONCLUSIONS
The genetic features of bla(TEM) genes in H. influenzae are different from those in Enterobacteriaceae and more variable than previously recognized.
Tristram
Stephen G
SG
School of Human Life Sciences, University of Tasmania, Launceston, Tasmania 7250, Australia. Stephen.Tristram@utas.edu.au
Hawes
Rebecca
R
Souprounov
Juliana
J
D019943:Amino Acid Substitution; D001483:Base Sequence; D014644:Genetic Variation; D006193:Haemophilus influenzae / Q000187:drug effects / Q000235:genetics*; D008826:Microbial Sensitivity Tests; D008969:Molecular Sequence Data; D016133:Polymerase Chain Reaction / Q000379:methods; D011401:Promoter Regions, Genetic / Q000235:genetics*; D017384:Sequence Deletion; D001618:beta-Lactamases / Q000187:drug effects / Q000235:genetics*
D001618:beta-Lactamases; C034413:beta-lactamase TEM-1; C056342:beta-lactamase TEM-2