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. 1974 Dec;120(3):1186–1195. doi: 10.1128/jb.120.3.1186-1195.1974

Genetic and Biophysical Study of R Plasmids Conferring Sulfonamide Resistance in Shigella Strains Isolated in 1952 and 1956

R Brent Davey 1, James Pittard 1
PMCID: PMC245898  PMID: 4215794

Abstract

The conjugative plasmids determining sulfonamide resistance in five Shigella strains, each isolated from a different patient, have been characterized. One S. flexneri 2a strain, isolated in 1952, harbored an fi+ plasmid of molecular weight 53 × 106, which specified synthesis of F-like pili and bore determinants for sulfonamide resistance (Su) and bacteriocinogeny (Col). This plasmid was compatible with plasmids of groups FI, FII, Iα, and P. A second S. flexneri 2a strain isolated in 1952 harbored an fi plasmid of molecular weight 59 × 106, bearing the Su determinant and compatible with all plasmids tested. This strain also harbored an fi+ group-FII plasmid of molecular weight 42 × 106, which bore the Col determinant and specified synthesis of F-like pili. Three S. dysenteriae 2 strains isolated in 1956 carried apparently identical fi plasmids of molecular weight 58 × 106, which bore the Su determinant, could form transconjugants in Pseudomonas but not in Proteus, and were incompatible with the P-group plasmid RP4.

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Selected References

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