Two novel retron elements are replaced with retron-Vc95 in Vibrio cholerae.

Bacterial reverse transcriptase (RT) is responsible for the production of an RNA-DNA complex called multicopy single-stranded DNA (msDNA). The genetic element required for the sysnthesis of msDNA is named a retron. Here, we characterize two novel retrons named retron-Vc81 and retron-Vc137 in Vibrio cholerae.

Genomic analysis of a multidrug-resistant strain of enterohaemorrhagic Escherichia coli O157:H7 causing a family outbreak in Japan.

A family outbreak of enterohaemorrhagic Escherichia coli (EHEC) O157:H7 infection occurred in October 2003 in the Hiroshima prefecture, Japan. Four isolates of EHEC O157:H7, 03064, 03065, 03066 and 03067, were recovered from a 1-year-old daughter, mother, father and 3-year-old daughter, respectively. All EHEC O157:H7 isolates were positive for Stx1 and Stx2 Shiga toxins.