Genetic transformation in encapsulated clinical isolates of Haemophilus influenzae type b |
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| Authors: | P Rowji R Gromkova H Koornhof |
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| Affiliation: | Emergent Pathogen Research Unit, South African Medical Research Council, School of Pathology, University of Witwatersrand. |
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| Abstract: | Haemophilus influenzae type b strains isolated from children with meningitis, septicaemia and pharyngitis were studied for their ability to undergo genetic transformation by two chromosomal markers, streptomycin resistance and nalidixic acid resistance. Fifty-eight percent of the strains were non-transformable while the remaining 42% showed considerable strain variation with regard to their transformation frequencies, which ranged from 8 x 10(-4) to 1 x 10(-6). The effect of type b capsule on competence development and transformation activity was studied by comparing encapsulated strains with their non-encapsulated variants. Type b capsule did not inhibit either competence development or transforming efficiency. The lack of transformability in the majority of strains was not due to the presence of a capsule. |
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