Identification and genetic characterization of Haemophilus influenzae genetic island 1.

ABSTRACT: The type b capsule of pathogenic Haemophilus influenzae is a critical factor for H. influenzae survival in the blood and the establishment of invasive infections. Other pathogenic factors associated with type b strains may also play a role in invasion and sustained bacteremia, leading to the seeding of deep tissues. The gene encoding haemocin is the only noncapsular gene found to be specific to type b strains until now. Here we report the discovery of an approximately 16-kb genetic locus, HiGI1, that is present primarily in type b strains. Pulsed-field gel electrophoresis and Southern hybridization were used to map this new locus between secG (HI0445) and fruA (HI0446), which are contiguous in Rd, a nonpathogenic derivative of a serotype d strain. It is inserted at the 3' end of tRNA(4)(Le

SUBMITTER: Chang CC 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC97469 | biostudies-literature | 2000 May

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature