The icaA gene in staphylococci from bovine mastitis.

Introduction: Staphylococcus aureus and coagulase-negative staphylococci (CNS) are frequently isolated from cows with mastitis. A main virulence factor of CNS is the ability to adhere and form biofilms. The intercellular gene cluster adhesion (ica) operon is one factor involved in biofilm production although ica-independent factors are also involved.

Synanthropic rodents as possible reservoirs of shigatoxigenic Escherichia coli strains.

Shigatoxigenic Escherichia coli (STEC) strains are worldwide zoonotic pathogen responsible for different cases of human disease including hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS). Transmission of STEC to humans occurs through the consumption of food and water contaminated by faeces of carriers and by person-to-person contact. The objective of this study was two-fold: (1) to investigate whether synanthropic rodents are possible reservoirs of STEC in the urban area and (2) whether a particular genus out of synanthropic rodent is the principal carrier of STEC.

Risk factors for Shiga toxin-producing Escherichia coli infections in preadolescent schoolchildren in Buenos Aires, Argentina.

Introduction: Shiga toxin-producing Escherichia coli (STEC) infections are the leading cause of hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS). STEC is the most common cause of acute kidney disease, responsible for 20% of renal transplants in Argentina.

Methodology: In 2007, an epidemiological survey was conducted among 883 students from the fifth and sixth years of elementary education in the public schools of San Martin City, Buenos Aires, Argentina.

First isolation in Argentina of a highly virulent Shiga toxin-producing Escherichia coli O145:NM from a domestic cat.

Introduction: Hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS) is distributed worldwide. In Argentina, more than 450 cases of HUS, mostly sporadic, are reported annually. The main serotype isolated is O157:H7, and among non-O157 STEC, O145:NM is the most frequent strain.

Antibody response to the epsilon toxin of Clostridium perfringens following vaccination of Lama glama crias.

Background: Enterotoxaemia produced by Clostridium perfringens A, C and D is an important cause of mortality in young llamas. There is no data on antibody responses following vaccination with epsilon toxin.

Methodology: Twenty-six L.