Vagococcus bubulae sp. nov., isolated from ground beef, and Vagococcus vulneris sp. nov., isolated from a human foot wound.

Two unusual catalase-negative, Gram-stain-positive, Vagococcus-like isolates that were referred to the CDC Streptococcus Laboratory for identification are described. Strain SS1994 was isolated from ground beef and strain SS1995 was isolated from a human foot wound. Comparative 16S rRNA gene sequence analysis of isolates SS1994 and SS1995 against Vagococcus type strain sequences supported their inclusion in the genus Vagococcus.

A Real-Time Multiplex PCR Assay for Detection of Species and Differentiation between and .

Nosocomial infections of species can have fatal outcomes if not identified and treated properly. The current diagnostic tools available require culture and isolation, which can extend the reporting time and delay treatment. Using comparative genomics, we developed an efficient multiplex real-time PCR for the simultaneous detection of all known species of , as well as differentiating the two most commonly reported species, and .

The draft genomes of Elizabethkingia anophelis of equine origin are genetically similar to three isolates from human clinical specimens.

We report the isolation and characterization of two Elizabethkingia anophelis strains (OSUVM-1 and OSUVM-2) isolated from sources associated with horses in Oklahoma. Both strains appeared susceptible to fluoroquinolones and demonstrated high MICs to all cell wall active antimicrobials including vancomycin, along with aminoglycosides, fusidic acid, chloramphenicol, and tetracycline. Typical of the Elizabethkingia, both draft genomes contained multiple copies of β-lactamase genes as well as genes predicted to function in antimicrobial efflux.

Complete Circularized Genome Sequences of Four Strains of , Including Two Novel Strains Isolated from Wild-Caught .

We provide complete circularized genome sequences of two mosquito-derived strains with draft sequences currently in the public domain (R26 and Ag1), and two novel strains derived from a different mosquito species, (AR4-6 and AR6-8). The genetic similarity of all four mosquito-derived strains is remarkable.

Streptococcus azizii sp. nov., isolated from naïve weanling mice.

Three isolates of a previously reported novel catalase-negative, Gram-stain-positive, coccoid, alpha-haemolytic, Streptococcus species that were associated with meningoencephalitis in naïve weanling mice were further evaluated to confirm their taxonomic status and to determine additional phenotypic and molecular characteristics. Comparative 16S rRNA gene sequence analysis showed nearly identical intra-species sequence similarity (≥99.9 %), and revealed the closest phylogenetically related species, Streptococcus acidominimus and Streptococcuscuniculi, with 97.

Revisiting the taxonomy of the genus Elizabethkingia using whole-genome sequencing, optical mapping, and MALDI-TOF, along with proposal of three novel Elizabethkingia species: Elizabethkingia bruuniana sp. nov., Elizabethkingia ursingii sp. nov., and Elizabethkingia occulta sp. nov.

The genus Elizabethkingia is genetically heterogeneous, and the phenotypic similarities between recognized species pose challenges in correct identification of clinically derived isolates. In addition to the type species Elizabethkingia meningoseptica, and more recently proposed Elizabethkingia miricola, Elizabethkingia anophelis and Elizabethkingia endophytica, four genomospecies have long been recognized. By comparing historic DNA-DNA hybridization results with whole genome sequences, optical maps, and MALDI-TOF mass spectra on a large and diverse set of strains, we propose a comprehensive taxonomic revision of this genus.

Enterococcus crotali sp. nov., isolated from faecal material of a timber rattlesnake.

A facultatively anaerobic, Gram-stain-positive bacterium, designated ETRF1T, was found in faecal material of a timber rattlesnake (Crotalus horridus). Based on a comparative 16S rRNA gene sequence analysis, the isolate was assigned to the genus Enterococcus. The 16S rRNA gene sequence of strain ETRF1T showed >97 % similarity to that of the type strains of Enterococcus rotai, E.

Evolutionary dynamics and genomic features of the Elizabethkingia anophelis 2015 to 2016 Wisconsin outbreak strain.

An atypically large outbreak of Elizabethkingia anophelis infections occurred in Wisconsin. Here we show that it was caused by a single strain with thirteen characteristic genomic regions. Strikingly, the outbreak isolates show an accelerated evolutionary rate and an atypical mutational spectrum.

Association of acute toxic encephalopathy with litchi consumption in an outbreak in Muzaffarpur, India, 2014: a case-control study.

Background: Outbreaks of unexplained illness frequently remain under-investigated. In India, outbreaks of an acute neurological illness with high mortality among children occur annually in Muzaffarpur, the country's largest litchi cultivation region. In 2014, we aimed to investigate the cause and risk factors for this illness.

Complete Genome Sequences of Enterococcus rotai LMG 26678T and Enterococcus silesiacus LMG 23085T.

The inclusion of molecular methods in the characterization of the novel species Enterococcus horridus necessitated the sequencing and assembly of the genomes of the closely related Enterococcus rotai and Enterococcus silesiacus Sequencing using Illumina technology in combination with optical mapping led to the generation of closed genomes for both isolates.

Complete Genome Sequences of Four Strains from the 2015-2016 Elizabethkingia anophelis Outbreak.

The complete circularized genome sequences of selected specimens from the largest known Elizabethkingia anophelis outbreak to date are described here. Genomic rearrangements observed among the outbreak strains are discussed.

Oblitimonas alkaliphila gen. nov., sp. nov., in the family Pseudomonadaceae, recovered from a historical collection of previously unidentified clinical strains.

Eight Gram-stain-negative bacteria (B4199T, C6819, C6918, D2441, D3318, E1086, E1148 and E5571) were identified during a retrospective study of unidentified strains from a historical collection held in the Special Bacteriology Reference Laboratory at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The strains were isolated from eight patients: five female, two male and one not specified. No ages were indicated for the patients.

Complete Genome Sequence of Strain H5989 of a Novel Devosia Species.

The CDC Special Bacteriology Reference Laboratory (SBRL) collection of human clinical pathogens contains several strains from the genus Devosia, usually found environmentally. We provide here the complete genome of strain H5989, which was isolated from a human cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) specimen and represents a putative novel species in the genus Devosia.

Preliminary laboratory report of fungal infections associated with contaminated methylprednisolone injections.

In September 2012, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) initiated an outbreak investigation of fungal infections linked to injection of contaminated methylprednisolone acetate (MPA). Between 2 October 2012 and 14 February 2013, the CDC laboratory received 799 fungal isolates or human specimens, including cerebrospinal fluid (CSF), synovial fluid, and abscess tissue, from 469 case patients in 19 states. A novel broad-range PCR assay and DNA sequencing were used to evaluate these specimens.

Detection of fungal DNA in human body fluids and tissues during a multistate outbreak of fungal meningitis and other infections.

Exserohilum rostratum was the major cause of an outbreak of fungal infections linked to injections of contaminated methylprednisolone acetate. Because almost 14,000 persons were exposed to product that was possibly contaminated with multiple fungal pathogens, there was unprecedented need for a rapid throughput diagnostic test that could detect both E. rostratum and other unusual agents of fungal infection.

Evaluation of methods for identification and determination of the taxonomic status of strains belonging to the Streptococcus porcinus-Streptococcus pseudoporcinus complex isolated from animal, human, and dairy sources.

Ninety-seven animal, human, and dairy Streptococcus porcinus or Streptococcus pseudoporcinus isolates in the CDC Streptococcus strain collection were evaluated on the basis of DNA-DNA reassociation, 16S rRNA and rpoB gene sequencing, conventional biochemical and Rapid ID 32 Strep identification methods, and antimicrobial susceptibility testing to determine their taxonomic status, characteristics for species differentiation, antimicrobial susceptibility, and relevance of clinical source. Nineteen of the 97 isolates (1 human, 18 swine) were identified as S. porcinus.

Mycobacterium chelonae-abscessus complex associated with sinopulmonary disease, Northeastern USA.

Members of the Mycobacterium chelonae-abscessus complex represent Mycobacterium species that cause invasive infections in immunocompetent and immunocompromised hosts. We report the detection of a new pathogen that had been misidentified as M. chelonae with an atypical antimicrobial drug susceptibility profile.

Reevaluation of the taxonomic status of recently described species of Enterococcus: evidence that E. thailandicus is a senior subjective synonym of "E. sanguinicola" and confirmation of E. caccae as a species distinct from E. silesiacus.

Several of the more recently proposed new species of Enterococcus are nearly identical based on 16S rRNA gene sequence analysis and phenotypic traits. In the present study, DNA-DNA reassociation experiments, in conjunction with sequencing of the 16S rRNA and rpoB genes, provided evidence that "Enterococcus sanguinicola" and Enterococcus thailandicus actually represent the same species. In contrast, Enterococcus caccae and Enterococcus silesiacus, two other species with nearly identical 16S rRNA gene sequences, were confirmed to be separate species.

H1N1pdm influenza infection in hospitalized cancer patients: clinical evolution and viral analysis.

Background: The novel influenza A pandemic virus (H1N1pdm) caused considerable morbidity and mortality worldwide in 2009. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the clinical course, duration of viral shedding, H1N1pdm evolution and emergence of antiviral resistance in hospitalized cancer patients with severe H1N1pdm infections during the winter of 2009 in Brazil.

Methods: We performed a prospective single-center cohort study in a cancer center in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.

Novel Corynebacterium diphtheriae in domestic cats.

Novel nontoxigenic Corynebacterium diphtheriae was isolated from a domestic cat with severe otitis. Contact investigation and carrier study of human and animal contacts yielded 3 additional, identical isolates from cats, although no evidence of zoonotic transmission was identified. Molecular methods distinguished the feline isolates from known C.

Population structure and capsular switching of invasive Neisseria meningitidis isolates in the pre-meningococcal conjugate vaccine era--United States, 2000-2005.

Background: A quadrivalent meningococcal conjugate vaccine (MCV4) was licensed in the United States in 2005; no serogroup B vaccine is available. Neisseria meningitidis changes its capsular phenotype through capsular switching, which has implications for vaccines that do not protect against all serogroups.

Methods: Meningococcal isolates from 10 Active Bacterial Core surveillance sites from 2000 through 2005 were analyzed to identify changes occurring after MCV4 licensure.

Etiologies of bacterial meningitis in Bangladesh: results from a hospital-based study.

We conducted a study at four hospitals from June 2003 to July 2005 to investigate the etiologies of bacterial meningitis in Bangladesh. A total of 2,609 patients met the clinical case definition, and 766 had cerebrospinal fluid tested by at least one of the following methods: latex agglutination, 16S rRNA gene sequencing, or real-time polymerase chain reaction for Neisseria meningitidis A and C, Streptococcus pneumoniae, and Haemophilus influenzae type b (Hib); culture results were noted from patient records. In total, 189 patients (24%) of those tested, representing all age groups, were diagnosed with bacterial meningitis; 136 (18%) had meningococcal, 23 (3%) had pneumococcal, and 25 (3%) had Hib infection.