Selective enrichment of R−segregants as the main mechanism of ‘curing’ of the R factor by acridine dyes

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Abstract
SUMMARY: By the use of appropriate strains ofEscherichia coli, Shigella flexneriandSalmonella typhimuriumwith and without an R factor, R100, the mechanism of ‘curing’ of R factor by acridine dyes was examined. This R factor was shown to confer increased sensitivity to acriflavine upon the host cells.E. colistrain W-3630, once infected with R100, has never been observed to segregate R−cells. When mixtures of R+and R−cells of this strain were grown in acriflavine broth, the proportion of R−cells increased and was also correlated with the proportion in the initial inoculum. Other bacterial strains carrying R100segregate R~ cells spontaneously. Growth tests starting with varying proportion of R+and R−cells of these strains in acriflavine broth also gave a marked correlation between the initial and final proportions of R−cells, and indicated that the main cause of ‘curing’ the R factor was the selective enrichment of R−segregants present in the initial inocula or arising spontaneously during growth of the R+culture. These results suggest that the mechanisms underlying the ‘curing’ of F and R factors are different. Tests with several acridine dyes gave results similar to those with acriflavine.