title: The SaPIs: mobile pathogenicity islands of Staphylococcus.
abstract: The SaPIs are 15- to 17-kb mobile pathogenicity islands in staphylococci. They usually carry two or more superantigens and are responsible for most superantigen-related human diseases, especially staphylococcal toxic shock syndrome. SaPIs are extremely common in Staphylococcus aureus, with all but one of the sequenced genomes containing one or more. The SaPIs have a highly conserved overall genome organization, parallel to that of typical temperate phages. Each occupies a specific chromosomal site from which it is induced to excise and replicate by one or more specific staphylococcal phages. Following replication, the SaPI DNA is efficiently encapsidated into infectious small-headed phage-like particles, resulting in extremely high transfer frequencies.
authors: Skirball Institute, Program in Molecular Pathogenesis, and Departments of Microbiology and Medicine, New York University Medical Center, New York, N.Y., USA.
authors: Richard P
authors: RP
authors: Novick
authors: Abhignya
authors: A
authors: Subedi
mesh_terms: D019143:Evolution, Molecular; D016680:Genome, Bacterial; D044404:Genomic Islands / Q000235:genetics / Q000502:physiology; D008242:Lysogeny; D011995:Recombination, Genetic; D013210:Staphylococcus / Q000235:genetics* / Q000472:pathogenicity; D013204:Staphylococcus Phages / Q000235:genetics; D018089:Superantigens / Q000235:genetics; D009626:Terminology as Topic
chemical_list: D018089:Superantigens