Predicting β-lactam susceptibility from the genome of and other mitis group streptococci.

Introduction: For , β-lactam susceptibility can be predicted from the amino acid sequence of the penicillin-binding proteins PBP1a, PBP2b, and PBP2x. The combination of PBP-subtypes provides a PBP-profile, which correlates to a phenotypic minimal inhibitory concentration (MIC). The non- Mitis-group streptococci (MGS) have similar PBPs and exchange -alleles with .

Point-of-Care Antigen Test for SARS-CoV-2 in Asymptomatic College Students.

We used the BinaxNOW COVID-19 Ag Card to screen 1,540 asymptomatic college students for severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 in a low-prevalence setting. Compared with reverse transcription PCR, BinaxNOW showed 20% overall sensitivity; among participants with culturable virus, sensitivity was 60%. BinaxNOW provides point-of-care screening but misses many infections.

Identification of Streptococcus pseudopneumoniae and other mitis group streptococci using matrix assisted laser desorption/ionization - time of flight mass spectrometry.

This study evaluated the ability of the MALDI-ToF MS from Bruker Daltonics to identify clinical Mitis-Group-Streptococcus isolates with a focus on Streptococcus pseudopneumoniae. The results were analyzed using the standard log(score) and the previously published list(score). Importantly, using the log(score) no misidentifications occurred and 27 of 29 (93%) S.

Epidemiologic Characteristics Associated With Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) Antigen-Based Test Results, Real-Time Reverse Transcription Polymerase Chain Reaction (rRT-PCR) Cycle Threshold Values, Subgenomic RNA, and Viral Culture Results From University Testing.

Background: Real-time reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (rRT-PCR) and antigen tests are important diagnostics for severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2). Sensitivity of antigen tests has been shown to be lower than that of rRT-PCR; however, data to evaluate epidemiologic characteristics that affect test performance are limited.

Methods: Paired mid-turbinate nasal swabs were collected from university students and staff and tested for SARS-CoV-2 using both Quidel Sofia SARS Antigen Fluorescent Immunoassay (FIA) and rRT-PCR assay.

Performance of an Antigen-Based Test for Asymptomatic and Symptomatic SARS-CoV-2 Testing at Two University Campuses - Wisconsin, September-October 2020.

Antigen-based tests for SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), are inexpensive and can return results within 15 minutes (1). Antigen tests have received Food and Drug Administration (FDA) Emergency Use Authorization (EUA) for use in asymptomatic and symptomatic persons within the first 5-12 days after symptom onset (2). These tests have been used at U.

Streptococcus pseudopneumoniae: Use of Whole-Genome Sequences To Validate Species Identification Methods.

A correct identification of is a prerequisite for investigating the clinical impact of the bacterium. The identification has traditionally relied on phenotypic methods. However, these phenotypic traits have been shown to be unreliable, with some strains giving conflicting results.

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.

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.

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.

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.

vanG element insertions within a conserved chromosomal site conferring vancomycin resistance to Streptococcus agalactiae and Streptococcus anginosus.

Three vancomycin-resistant streptococcal strains carrying vanG elements (two invasive Streptococcus agalactiae isolates [GBS-NY and GBS-NM, both serotype II and multilocus sequence type 22] and one Streptococcus anginosus [Sa]) were examined. The 45,585-bp elements found within Sa and GBS-NY were nearly identical (together designated vanG-1) and shared near-identity over an ~15-kb overlap with a previously described vanG element from Enterococcus faecalis. Unexpectedly, vanG-1 shared much less homology with the 49,321-bp vanG-2 element from GBS-NM, with widely different levels (50% to 99%) of sequence identity shared among 44 related open reading frames.

Genotypic characterization of Streptococcus infantarius subsp. coli isolates from sea otters with infective endocarditis and/or septicemia and from environmental mussel samples.

Pulsed-field gel electrophoresis (PFGE) was used to type 128 Streptococcus infantarius subsp. coli isolates from sea otters and mussels. Six SmaI PFGE groups were detected, with one predominant group representing 57% of the isolates collected over a wide geographic region.

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.

Outbreak of bacterial meningitis among patients undergoing myelography at an outpatient radiology clinic.

Purpose: To investigate an outbreak of bacterial meningitis at an outpatient radiology clinic (clinic A) and to determine the source and implement measures to prevent additional infections.

Methods: A case was defined as bacterial meningitis in a patient undergoing myelography at clinic A from October 11 to 25, 2010. Patients who underwent myelography and other procedures at clinic A during that period were interviewed, medical records were reviewed, and infection prevention practices were assessed.

Using PCR-based detection and genotyping to trace Streptococcus salivarius meningitis outbreak strain to oral flora of radiology physician assistant.

We recently investigated three cases of bacterial meningitis that were reported from a midwestern radiology clinic where facemasks were not worn during spinal injection of contrast agent during myelography procedures. Using pulsed field gel electrophoresis we linked a case strain of S. salivarius to an oral specimen of a radiology physician assistant (RPA).

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.

Streptococcus salivarius meningitis case strain traced to oral flora of anesthesiologist.

Two women in labor received intrapartum spinal anesthesia from the same anesthesiologist approximately 1 h apart. Within 15 h, both patients developed Streptococcus salivarius meningitis and one patient died. Blood and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) samples from both patients and tongue swab specimens from the anesthesiologist yielded isolates of an indistinguishable S.

Designation of the provisional new enterococcus species CDC PNS-E2 as Enterococcus sanguinicola sp. nov., isolated from human blood, and identification of a strain previously named Enterococcus CDC PNS-E1 as Enterococcus italicus Fortina, Ricci, Mora, and Manachini 2004.

We have previously characterized two new enterococcal species (provisionally designated CDC PNS-E1 and CDC PNS-E2) recovered from clinically significant specimens associated with invasive infections in humans. In the present report we provide additional data and propose formal denominations for isolates of these two species of Enterococcus. Results of 16S rRNA gene sequencing, sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoretic analysis of whole-cell protein profiles, and DNA-DNA reassociation experiments indicated that the blood isolate ATCC BAA-780 (SS 1728; CDC PNS-E1) corresponds to Enterococcus italicus, whose species epithet was proposed to designate isolates from artisanal Italian cheese.

Fatal group C streptococcal infection due to transfusion of a bacterially contaminated pooled platelet unit despite routine bacterial culture screening.

Background: An elderly man with chronic myelomonocytic leukemia developed respiratory distress and died less than 48 hours after transfusion of a pool of eight whole blood-derived platelets (PLTs). Blood cultures from the recipient and cultures of remnants from the pooled PLT bag grew group C streptococci (GCS). An investigation was conducted to identify both the infection's source and the reasons for the false-negative screening result.

Characterization of three new enterococcal species, Enterococcus sp. nov. CDC PNS-E1, Enterococcus sp. nov. CDC PNS-E2, and Enterococcus sp. nov. CDC PNS-E3, isolated from human clinical specimens.

As a reference laboratory, the Streptococcus Laboratory at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is frequently asked to confirm the identity of unusual or difficult-to-identify catalase-negative, gram-positive cocci. In order to accomplish the precise identification of these microorganisms, we have systematically applied analysis of whole-cell protein profiles (WCPP) and DNA-DNA reassociation experiments, in conjunction with conventional physiological tests. Using this approach, we recently focused on the characterization of three strains resembling the physiological groups I (strain SS-1730), II (strain SS-1729), and IV (strain SS-1728) of enterococcal species.

Identification of superantigen genes speM, ssa, and smeZ in invasive strains of beta-hemolytic group C and G streptococci recovered from humans.

Group C and G Streptococcus dysgalactiae subspecies equisimilis (GCSE and GGSE) cause a substantial percentage of invasive disease caused by beta-hemolytic streptococci. To determine whether Streptococcus pyogenes superantigen (SAg) genes commonly exist within these organisms, 20 recent invasive GCSE and GGSE human isolates and one group G Streptococcus canis human isolate were tested for the presence of SAg genes speH, speJ, speL, speM, ssa and smeZ by polymerase chain reaction (PCR). Prior to this work, sequence-based evidence of the speM, ssa, and smeZ genes in GCSE, GGSE, and S.