-
Views
-
Cite
Cite
Hester J. Bootsma, Han G. J. van der Heide, Simone van de Pas, Leo M. Schouls, Frits R. Mooi, Analysis of Moraxella catarrhalis by DNA Typing: Evidence for a Distinct Subpopulation Associated with Virulence Traits, The Journal of Infectious Diseases, Volume 181, Issue 4, April 2000, Pages 1376–1387, https://doi.org/10.1086/315374
- Share Icon Share
Abstract
Two DNA typing methods, probe-generated restriction fragment length polymorphism analysis and single-adapter amplified fragment length polymorphism analysis, were used to study the genetic relationships among 90 Moraxella catarrhalis strains. Both methods were found to be highly concordant, generating a dendrogram with 2 main branches. The division of the M. catarrhalis population into 2 subspecies was supported by analysis of the 16S rRNA sequences. Both β-lactamase—positive and β-lactamase—negative strains were found in all main branches, suggesting horizontal transfer of the β-lactamase gene. In contrast, 2 virulence traits, complement resistance and adherence to epithelial cells, were strongly associated with 1 of the 2 subspecies. The branch depth suggested that complement-resistant adherent strains diverged from a common ancestor more recently than did complement-sensitive nonadherent strains. These findings suggest the existence of subpopulations of M. catarrhalis that differ in virulence, and they may have implications for vaccine development.