Transfer of beta-lactamase plasmids from Neisseria gonorrhoeae to Neisseria meningitidis and commensal Neisseria species by the 25.2-megadalton conjugative plasmid.

Two highly tetracycline-resistant, beta-lactamase-producing Neisseria gonorrhoeae strains were used as donors for conjugation with Neisseria meningitidis and commensal Neisseria species. We found that both strains were able to transfer the 4.4- and 3.2-megadalton beta-lactamase plasmids to the recipients tested, with frequencies between 10(-1) and 10(-9).