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Abstract
SUMMARY: A plasmid conferring tetracycline-resistance from a clinical isolate of Staphylococcus aureus (5401) was transferred to a wide variety of other strains by mixed culture in nutrient broth. Strain 609 converted to tet-r by this method could transfer tet-r efficiently (up to 10−3 in 12 h.) to other strains. Co-factor studies on this donor suggested that transfer of tet-r is mediated by phage transduction. However, filtrates of the donor culture contained few particles able to transfer tetracycline-resistance. It is probable that the transfer occurs by short-lived or cell-bound phage particles. Filtrates of the donor strain obtained after induction with mitomycin C were able to transduce tetracycline-resistance, but at low frequency.
The gene(s) for tetracycline-resistance in these strains is probably borne by a plasmid, since they segregate tetracycline-sensitive derivatives. Ultraviolet (u.v.) light-inactivation studies on transduction of tet-r support this conclusion.
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