Current Microbiology

, Volume 8, Issue 5, pp 273–277 | Cite as

Plasmids and serotypes of hemolytic fecalEscherichia coli

  • John M. DeBoy
  • Kaye Wachsmuth
  • Kristin Birkness
Article

Abstract

Twelve of 21 human, hemolytic, fecal isolates ofEscherichia coli produced type 1 hemolysin (HLY1), an extracellular, heat-labile molecule (alpha-hemolysin). Although no common plasmid species was apparent, 11 of 12 HLY1 strains possessed a plasmid≥60 megadaltons (Mdal); 5 of 9 strains with other hemolysins possessed a plasmid of comparable molecular mass (Fisher's exact probability=0.0805). One derivative of an HLY1+strain, which contained a 125 Mdal plasmid, no longer expressed HLY1 and contained a single 102 Mdal plasmid. The presence of large plasmids of varying size and an apparent deletion mutation in HLY1 strains suggest that HLY1 determinants are located on a small, unstable genetic element. In an initial survey of 224 human fecal isolates ofE. coli, the predominant hemolytic serotype was 06:H-, and conversely most (85%) 06:H-isolates were HLY1+. Serotype appears to play an important role in HLY1 expression.

Keywords

Molecular Mass Deletion Mutation Genetic Element Exact Probability Initial Survey 
These keywords were added by machine and not by the authors. This process is experimental and the keywords may be updated as the learning algorithm improves.

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Copyright information

© Springer-Verlag 1983

Authors and Affiliations

  • John M. DeBoy
    • 1
  • Kaye Wachsmuth
    • 2
  • Kristin Birkness
    • 2
  1. 1.Diagnostic LaboratoryNew York State College of Veterinary Medicine at Cornell UniversityIthacaUSA
  2. 2.Division of Bacterial Diseases, Center for Infectious DiseasesCenters for Disease ControlAtlantaUSA

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