Numerous species of the genus Staphylococcus other than Staphylococcus aureus are important pathogens in human clinical practice and veterinary medicine. With improved methods of identification and more precise classification, we have speciated over 500 strains of staphylococci representing 17 species and subspecies of non-S. aureus Staphylococcus. We have examined these strains for possible virulence factors which may play a role in their pathogenesis. Using transmission electron microscopy (TEM), we have demonstrated that small to large amounts of glycocalyx are found on staphylococcal cells. Animal models have shown that staphylococci cause abscess formation in the presence or absence of a foreign body implant. Molecular characterization of cell extracts of Staphylococcus intermedius show that this species elaborates a protein which is serologically similar to the enterotoxins of Staphylococcus aureus in ELISA tests, but differs markedly in other characteristics.
| Identifer | oai:union.ndltd.org:ETSU/oai:dc.etsu.edu:etsu-works-15058 |
| Date | 01 December 1997 |
| Creators | Lambe, Jr, Ferguson, K. P. |
| Publisher | Digital Commons @ East Tennessee State University |
| Source Sets | East Tennessee State University |
| Detected Language | English |
| Type | text |
| Source | ETSU Faculty Works |
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