Analytical Sensitivity of Eight Different SARS-CoV-2 Antigen-Detecting Rapid Tests for Omicron-BA.1 Variant.

The emergence of each novel SARS-CoV-2 variant of concern (VOC) requires investigation of its potential impact on the performance of diagnostic tests in use, including antigen-detecting rapid diagnostic tests (Ag-RDTs). Although anecdotal reports have been circulating that the newly emerged Omicron-BA.1 variant is in principle detectable by Ag-RDTs, few data on sensitivity are available.

The CC398 Lineage: An Evolution Driven by the Acquisition of Prophages and Other Mobile Genetic Elements.

Among clinically relevant lineages of , the lineage or clonal complex 398 (CC398) is of particular interest. Strains from this lineage were only described as livestock colonizers until 2007. Progressively, cases of infection were reported in humans in contact with farm animals, and now, CC398 isolates are increasingly identified as the cause of severe infections even in patients without any contact with animals.

Temperate Prophages Increase Bacterial Adhesin Expression and Virulence in an Experimental Model of Endocarditis Due to From the CC398 Lineage.

Until 2007, from clonal complex 398 (CC398) was exclusively associated with livestock species and companion animals. Recently, several studies described the emergence of CC398 as etiologies of severe infections in humans living in an animal-free environment. Recent sequencing efforts showed that the mobile genetic elements found in CC398 isolates were specific for each population and enabled differentiation of strains responsible for asymptomatic colonization from strains involved in bloodstream infections.

YpdA, a putative bacillithiol disulfide reductase, contributes to cellular redox homeostasis and virulence in Staphylococcus aureus.

The intracellular redox environment of Staphylococcus aureus is mainly buffered by bacillithiol (BSH), a low molecular weight thiol. The identity of enzymes responsible for the recycling of oxidized bacillithiol disulfide (BSSB) to the reduced form (BSH) remains elusive. We examined YpdA, a putative bacillithiol reductase, for its role in maintaining intracellular redox homeostasis.

Bypassing the Restriction System To Improve Transformation of Staphylococcus epidermidis.

is the leading cause of infections on indwelling medical devices worldwide. Intrinsic antibiotic resistance and vigorous biofilm production have rendered these infections difficult to treat and, in some cases, require the removal of the offending medical prosthesis. With the exception of two widely passaged isolates, RP62A and 1457, the pathogenesis of infections caused by clinical strains is poorly understood due to the strong genetic barrier that precludes the efficient transformation of foreign DNA into clinical isolates.

Prophages and adaptation of Staphylococcus aureus ST398 to the human clinic.

Background: It has been suggested that prophages in the ST398 S. aureus clone are responsible for expanding ST398's spectrum of action and increasing its ability to cause human infections. We carried out the first characterization of the various prophages carried by 76 ST398 bloodstream infection (BSI) isolates obtained over 9 years of observation.

The CshA DEAD-box RNA helicase is important for quorum sensing control in Staphylococcus aureus.

DEAD-box RNA helicases are present in almost all living organisms and participate in various processes of RNA metabolism. Bacterial proteins of this large family were shown to be required for translation initiation, ribosome biogenesis and RNA decay. The latter is primordial for rapid adaptation to changing environmental conditions.

Plasmid-mediated quinolone resistance in Aeromonas allosaccharophila recovered from a Swiss lake.

Objectives: To search for plasmid-mediated qnr genes among waterborne environmental Aeromonas spp. recovered from Switzerland.

Methods: Isolates presenting MICs of nalidixic acid or ciprofloxacin > or = 1 mg/L were screened for qnr genes by a multiplex PCR approach followed by sequencing.