Abstract
Rhodococcus equi is an emerging opportunistic pathogen of human immunodeficiency virus-infected patients. However, little is known about the characteristics of R. equi isolates from humans. This study characterized the plasmid content, expression of a virulence-associated antigen, and mouse virulence of 19 R. equi isolates from patients with and without AIDS. EcoRI digestion patterns and Southern, Western, and virulence analyses of these isolates with cryptic plasmids allowed definition of a new category of R. equi. Isolates from patients with AIDS tended either to be virulent and have 15- to 17-kDa antigens and an 85-kb plasmid (10(6) bacteria needed for lethality) or have intermediate virulence (10(7) bacteria needed for lethality) and one of four distinct large plasmids that share DNA homology and express a 20-kDa antigen. Most of the non-AIDS isolates were avirulent (> 10(8) bacteria needed for lethality) and did not express any of these antigens.
Published Version
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Disclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.