| Plasmids of Legionella Species. (1998) | |||||||||
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| Plasmids are extrachromosomal genetic elements of bacteria that are not essential for survival of the host under most circumstances but often carry genes that allow the host to compete more successfully in adverse environments. Plasmids have been shown to carry genes which code for toxins, such as botulinum, diphtheria, streptococcus erythrogenic, and the enterotoxin of Escherichia coli. The sudden outbreak of a highly infectious disease caused by a multiply drug-resistant organism could severly impact on the planning and progress of a given military operation. Areas of high troop concentrations, such as basic training units, are particularly susceptible to the rapid spread of an infectious disease. The ultimate goal of the program is to contribute to the diagnosis, treatment and prophylaxis of diseases considered to be of military importance. As an extension of our current research program, we have recently demonstrated an association between plasmid DNA and toxin production in Bacillus anthracis.. Paper from the Proceedings of the Army Sciences Conference (1982), 15-18 Jun 82. | |||||||||
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