Genetic analysis and penicillin-binding protein alterations in Neisseria gonorrhoeae with chromosomally mediated resistance

Abstract

Eight recent isolates of Neisseria gonorrhoeae with high-level non-beta-lactamase-mediated penicillin resistance were investigated. The penicillin-binding proteins of these strains were found to have reduced affinity for radiolabeled penicillin. Testing for known resistance genes showed that these were present in the resistant isolates. Genetic transformation was used to construct strains with increasing levels of antibiotic resistance. Modification of the transformation protocol made it possible to isolate transformants at the highest (penicillin-resistant DNA donor) level of resistance. These transformants unexpectedly yielded two distinct penicillin-binding protein patterns when tested.