Plasmid encoded neurotoxin genes in Clostridium botulinum serotype A subtypes.
Clostridium botulinum, an important pathogen of humans and animals, produces botulinum neurotoxin (BoNT), the most poisonous toxin known. We have determined by pulsed-field gel electrophoresis (PFGE) and Southern hybridizations that the genes encoding BoNTs in strains Loch Maree (subtype A3) and 657Ba (type B and subtype A4) are located on large (approximately 280 kb) plasmids. This is the first demonstration of plasmid-borne neurotoxin genes in Clostridium botulinum serotypes A and B. The finding of BoNT type A and B genes on extrachromosomal elements has important implications for the evolution of neurotoxigenicity in clostridia including the origin, expression, and lateral transfer of botulinum neurotoxin genes.
Marshall
Kristin M
KM
Department of Bacteriology, University of Wisconsin, 1925 Willow Drive, Madison, WI 53706, USA.
Bradshaw
Marite
M
Pellett
Sabine
S
Johnson
Eric A
EA
D015139:Blotting, Southern; D001905:Botulinum Toxins / Q000235:genetics*; D019274:Botulinum Toxins, Type A / Q000235:genetics*; D047013:Clostridium botulinum type A / Q000145:classification / Q000235:genetics*; D016521:Electrophoresis, Gel, Pulsed-Field; D005798:Genes, Bacterial; D010957:Plasmids / Q000235:genetics*
C096323:rimabotulinumtoxinB; D001905:Botulinum Toxins; D019274:Botulinum Toxins, Type A