New Variant of the Capsule 3 Cluster in Streptococcus pneumoniae from Deceased Wild Chimpanzees
Author Information
Author(s): Denapaite Dalia, Hakenbeck Regine
Primary Institution: Department of Microbiology, University of Kaiserslautern, Kaiserslautern, Germany
Hypothesis
What is the genetic relationship of new Streptococcus pneumoniae clones found in deceased wild chimpanzees to those from humans?
Conclusion
The study found that a new cps3 cluster in Streptococcus pneumoniae evolved independently and is distinct from other known clusters.
Supporting Evidence
- The cps3Taï cluster contains genes that are distinct from other known cps3 loci.
- Transformation experiments confirmed that the cps3Taï genes can produce a functional capsule.
- MLST analysis showed that the new clones differ significantly from human isolates.
Takeaway
Scientists found a new type of bacteria in dead chimpanzees that is different from what we usually see in humans, showing that these animals can have their own special germs.
Methodology
DNA sequence analysis and multiplex PCR were used to identify and characterize the cps3 cluster from chimpanzee samples.
Limitations
Live bacteria could not be isolated from the wild chimpanzees, limiting further functional studies.
Participant Demographics
Samples were taken from deceased wild chimpanzees from the Taï National Park, Côte d'Ivoire.
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
Want to read the original?
Access the complete publication on the publisher's website