Analysis of the type II-A CRISPR-Cas system of Streptococcus agalactiae reveals distinctive features according to genetic lineages.

CRISPR-Cas systems (clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats/CRISPR-associated proteins) are found in 90% of archaea and about 40% of bacteria. In this original system, CRISPR arrays comprise short, almost unique sequences called spacers that are interspersed with conserved palindromic repeats. These systems play a role in adaptive immunity and participate to fight non-self DNA such as integrative and conjugative elements, plasmids, and phages.

Awareness of standard precautions for 4439 healthcare professionals in 34 institutions in France.

Objective: The study objective was to assess the awareness of standard precautions (SP) among healthcare professionals, 1 year after the latest national guidelines were issued.

Methods: A multicenter cross-sectional survey was conducted in 34 volunteer institutions in 2010. Data was collected using an anonymous and self-administered questionnaire.

[Pediatric osteoarticular infections caused by Kingella kingae from 1995 to 2006 at CHRU de Tours].

Use of molecular biology shows that Kingella kingae is a pathogen frequently involved in osteoarticular infections in young children. This study describes the cases of osteoarticular infections due to K. kingae which happened from 1995 to 2006 in the CHRU of Tours.