Plasmid-mediated high-level gentamicin resistance among enteric bacteria isolated from pet turtles in Louisiana.

The sale of small turtles is banned by the Food and Drug Administration from the U.S. market due to concerns about their excretion of Salmonella spp.

Identification of genetic loci required for capsular expression in Vibrio vulnificus.

Transposon mutagenesis of an encapsulated, virulent strain of Vibrio vulnificus 1003(O) led to the identification of four genetic regions that are essential to capsular polysaccharide (CPS) expression and virulence. Of the four regions, three are believed to be part of a capsule gene locus comprised of biosynthesis, polymerization, and transport genes clustered on a single chromosomal fragment. Genes indicating a Wzy-dependent system of polymerization and transmembrane export are present, suggesting that the CPS of V.