A plasmid-cured Chlamydia muridarum strain displays altered plaque morphology and reduced infectivity in cell culture.
A highly conserved cryptic plasmid is present in Chlamydia trachomatis yet naturally occurring plasmid-deficient isolates are very rare. This paper describes the isolation and characterization of a plasmid-deficient strain of C. muridarum, using novobiocin as a curing agent. Plasmid-deficient derivatives of C. muridarum strain Nigg were generated at high efficiencies (4-30%). Phenotypic characterization revealed that the cured derivative was unable to accumulate glycogen within intracytoplasmic inclusions. In addition, this strain formed small plaques at a reduced efficiency compared to the wild-type parent.
O'Connell
Catherine M
CM
Department of Microbiology and Immunology, UAMS, 4301 West Markham, Little Rock, AR 72205, USA.
Nicks
Kristy M
KM
Department of Microbiology and Immunology, UAMS, 4301 West Markham, Little Rock, AR 72205, USA.
D000818:Animals; D000900:Anti-Bacterial Agents / Q000494:pharmacology*; D002460:Cell Line; D002498:Centrifugation; D023502:Chlamydia muridarum / Q000187:drug effects / Q000235:genetics / Q000254:growth & development* / Q000472:pathogenicity*; D006003:Glycogen / Q000378:metabolism; D051379:Mice; D009675:Novobiocin / Q000494:pharmacology*; D010957:Plasmids / Q000235:genetics*; D016133:Polymerase Chain Reaction
D000900:Anti-Bacterial Agents; D009675:Novobiocin; D006003:Glycogen