A cluster of four cases of meningococcal disease in a single nuclear family.

A cluster of four confirmed cases of meningococcal disease was seen in the same nuclear family across a 15-week period. The cases were three siblings and a parent and all recovered well. The first case was confirmed by meningococcal PCR only but the subsequent three cases were due to indistinguishable strains of serogroup B (B:NT:P1.

[Molecular microbiology and clinical features of Staphylococcus aureus enterotoxins].

The authors review the novel data available in the literature and their experimental results about the enterotoxins of Staphylococcus aureus. Their genetics, phylogenetics, biological characteristics, as well as mechanisms of action are dealt with. Furthermore, pathogenesis, pathomechanism, immunology, major symptoms and signs, diagnostics, management, possible outcomes, and epidemiology of the Staphylococcus aureus enterotoxin-associated human diseases are hereby reviewed.

Resistance to beta-lactams and glycopeptides in staphylococci and streptococci.

Molecular mechanisms of the action of beta-lactam and glycopeptide antibiotics, as well as genetic background and phenotypical features of the resistance of staphylococci, streptococci and enterococci to these antibiotics are reviewed. Furthermore, susceptibility patterns concerning beta-lactam and glycopeptide drugs of staphylococcal, streptococcal, as well as enterococcal strains isolated from clinical specimens at the Semmelweis University of Medicine, Budapest, Hungary between January 1997 and December 2000 are also presented.