Nasal carriage of Staphylococcus aureus in dairy sheep

The purpose of this study was to assess the prevalence of Staphylococcus aureus nasal carriage of dairy sheep in farms producing cheeses manufactured with raw ewe's milk. The study showed that 29% of ewes carried S. aureus in their nares. The genetic diversity of the 136 isolates recovered from the anterior nares of the ewes, from the ambient air of the milking parlour and from cheeses was investigated using pulsed-field gel electrophoresis (PFGE) of DNA SmaI digests. The genotyping results showed that 75 out of 106 isolates recovered from nasal carriage in dairy sheep belonged to a dominant pattern (previously named OV) and a genetically related pattern (named OV'). The same profile (OV or OV') was found in the ambient air and cheeses, suggesting a continuum between isolates within these different compartments.     

Dermatitis of the legs of sheep associated with Staphylococcus aureus

An outbreak of dermatitis affecting the legs of sheep is described. Laboratory investigations suggested that the condition was caused by Staphylococcus aureus. The differential diagnosis is discussed.     

The effect of staphylococcal antigen on the output of cells from the popliteal lymph node of immunized sheep

Serum samples collected from dogs routinely presented at a clinic between June 1974 and October 1980 were tested for the presence of haemagglutination inhibition (HI) titres to canine parvovirus. The first positive titre (> 1:320) was demonstrated in serum collected in October 1979. The first confirmed clinical case of canine parvovirus enteritis was diagnosed by the authors in July 1979.

In addition, between 1st December 1980 and 1st March 1981, serum samples were collected from 106 healthy dogs which were presented for canine parvovirus vaccination for the first time. Twenty-four dogs (approx. 23%) showed HI titres > 1:320 indicating probable previous canine parvovirus infection. Therefore approx. 80% of dogs in the clinic area were at risk at that time and vaccination should have protected them from infection.     

Immunological events in the popliteal lymph node of sheep following injection of liver or killed Corynebacterium ovis into an afferent popliteal lymphatic duct

Efferent popliteal lymph and blood were collected daily for three weeks from sheep following injection of live or killed Corynebacterium ovis organisms into an afferent lymphatic duct. The total lymphocyte output, proportion of blast cells and class specificity of immunoglobulin-containing groups of animals and antibody titres and concentrations of IgG1, IgG2, IMg and IgA were measured in both lymph and blood...     

金黄色葡萄球菌对巨噬细胞自噬相关蛋白表达的影响

巨噬细胞是机体重要的免疫防御细胞,本试验探讨金黄色葡萄球菌感染对巨噬细胞自噬相关蛋白表达的影响,为进一步研究自噬在金黄色葡萄球菌侵袭过程中的作用提供理论依据。采用金黄色葡萄球菌侵袭RAW264.7细胞,运用Western blot分别于侵袭0,15,30,45,60,90,120 min检测细胞内自噬相关蛋白Beclin1、Atg5、LC3、p62的表达水平,激光共聚焦技术检测细胞内LC3聚点,并用透射电镜观察细胞超微结构。结果显示,与侵袭0 min相比,Beclin1、Atg5、LC3、p62表达水平在各时间点均升高(P0.01),且呈一定的时间-效应关系。侵袭45 min时,细胞内LC3蛋白聚点增多,且单个细胞的荧光强度增强。透射电镜观察显示金黄色葡萄球菌侵入细胞内,并形成明显的吞噬泡。故金黄色葡萄球菌侵袭巨噬细胞,促进了细胞自噬的发生和发展,自噬参与了金黄色葡萄球菌的侵袭过程。     

柴胡皂苷a对金黄色葡萄球菌基因转录表达谱的影响

探讨柴胡皂苷a对金黄色葡萄球菌的抑菌活性,确定亚抑菌浓度的柴胡皂苷a对金黄色葡萄球菌基因转录表达谱的影响。按NCCLS推荐的试管肉汤倍比稀释法测定柴胡皂苷a对32株临床分离的金黄色葡萄球菌和标准菌株ATCC25923的最小抑菌浓度(MICs),绘制标准菌株ATCC25923的生长曲线,用定制的Affymetrix基因芯片检测1/2×MIC(4mg.L-1)柴胡皂苷a对标准菌株ATCC25923基因表达谱的影响。结果表明,柴胡皂苷a对33株金黄色葡萄球菌的MICs为1～32mg.L-1;基因表达谱分析有26个上调基因,68个下调基因,其中1个编码超氧负离子压力反应蛋白基因被大幅度地上调,13个毒力基因被诱导,并且都被抑制;这表明柴胡皂苷a对32株临床分离的金黄色葡萄球菌及标准菌株都有抑菌活性。基因芯片分析表明,柴胡皂苷a的抗菌作用能够同时影响金黄色葡萄球菌不同的途径基因。     

Immune responses to Staphylococcus aureus and Psoroptes ovis in sheep infected with P. ovis--the sheep scab mite

In sheep, lesions caused by Psoroptes ovis, the sheep scab mite, may become colonized by Staphylococcus aureus. The present study compares clinical signs, lesional area and the immune response to P. ovis and S. aureus in P. ovis-infested sheep with and without secondary S. aureus infection. No differences were detected in the clinical signs or lesional areas in the S. aureus-positive and -negative sheep. However, 6 weeks after infestation an IgG but not IgE isotype antibody response to S. aureus was detected in the S. aureus-positive but not the S. aureus-negative group of sheep. This response targeted S. aureus antigens with molecular weights of approximately 36, 38, 50 and 65 kDa. In addition, 6 weeks after infestation an IgE response to P. ovis was detected in the S. aureus-positive but not the S. aureus-negative group of sheep.     

Effects of lysostaphin on Staphylococcus aureus infections of the mouse mammary gland

A 5 to 6 log10 reduction in the viable count of Staphylococcus aureus was produced in vitro with 10 micrograms lysostaphin ml-1 milk. Infusion of the lactating murine mammary gland with 10 micrograms lysostaphin, immediately following inoculation with 10(8) colony forming units of S aureus, resulted in a significant 2 to 3 log10 reduction in viable S aureus (P less than 0.02) within 30 minutes. Pre-infusion with 10 micrograms lysostaphin either immediately before or one hour before staphylococcal challenge reduced the recovery of S aureus by more than 6 log10 and greatly reduced pathological changes typical of S aureus mastitis. This clearly demonstrates that lysostaphin has considerable potential for the therapeutic or prophylactic control of staphylococcal mastitis.     

桃柁酚对金黄色葡萄球菌生物膜形成及cidA表达的影响

为研究桃柁酚对金黄色葡萄球菌(S.aureus)生物膜形成的影响及其机制,本研究通过结晶紫半定量法和激光共聚焦显微镜检测桃柁酚对S.aureus生物膜形成的影响,利用实时定量RT-PCR分析桃柁酚对cidA及其调控基因的作用,并测定了桃柁酚对胞外DNA (eDNA)释放的作用及对HaCaT细胞的细胞毒性.结果表明,桃柁酚可以有效减少eDNA的释放并抑制S.aureus生物膜的形成,并且抑制趋势呈剂量依赖关系.此外,在1/8×MIC药物浓度时,桃柁酚可以诱导eDNA的释放并诱导生物膜形成.桃柁酚可以通过影响agr和sar调控系统,作用于cidA基因进而影响eDNA释放及生物被膜的形成.而且,4×MIC浓度的桃柁酚对人体无毒害作用.本研究为治疗S.aureus感染提供新的方法,并为进一步研究桃柁酚的作用机制奠定了基础.     

Variations in immunoglobulin isotype produced during the antibody response to Brucella abortus and Staphylococcus aureus vaccines in sheep

Experiments in sheep were carried out to examine factors modifying the immunoglobulin (Ig) isotype of the antibody response to Brucella abortus. Live B abortus (S19) stimulated higher titres of agglutinating antibody and IgG1 and IgG2 antibody than did killed B abortus. Live B abortus stimulated a more protracted synthesis of IgG2 antibody during the primary and secondary responses than did the killed S19 vaccine. In a second experiment, the capacity of live and killed Staphylococcus aureus to modify the antibody response to killed B abortus was examined. Both live and killed S aureus enhanced production of anti-brucella antibodies; this response was attributed to the adjuvant properties of S aureus. Killed S aureus enhanced production of anti-brucella antibody to a greater extent than live S aureus. Live S aureus did not preferentially enhance production of IgG2 anti-brucella antibody. The results suggested that the enhanced production of IgG2 antibody induced by live vaccines does not depend solely on a pyogenic lesion at the vaccination site.     

Blood vessels of lymph nodes in the pig

Pig lymph nodes have an unusual arrangement of cortical and medullary tissue, and lack a hilus. The aim of the present study was to describe the pathways by which blood reaches these lymph nodes. Natural or synthetic latex casts were made of blood vessels of superficial inguinal, popliteal and jejunal lymph nodes. Major nodal arteries approach these lymph nodes and give rise to about five branches, most of which remain on the node surface. These branches often wrap around part or all of the node in a claw-like manner and they divide to form a network on its surface. Arteries from this network penetrate the capsule directly to supply the lymphoid parenchyma. Anastomoses are common at all levels between the arteries supplying the nodes and arteriovenous anastomoses occur within the nodes. These may help to maintain and regulate blood flow within the lymph node under different conditions of stimulation.     

Effects of postmilking teat treatment on the colonization of Staphylococcus aureus on chapped teat skin

Sixteen Holstein cows were used to test the effect of postmilking teat treatment on colonization and intramammary infection by Staphylococcus aureus on chapped teats. Treatments were (1) chapping the teat and using 1% I2/10% glycerin postdip solution, (2) 1% I2/10% glycerin postdip solution on nonchapped teats, (3) chapping the teat and using 10% glycerin postdip solution, (4) chapping the teat and not using a postdip solution. All mammary glands were free of S aureus teat skin colonization and intramammary infection at the start of the study. Teats selected for chapping were dipped in 1N NaOH prior to 3 applications of S aureus broth culture; cultures were applied at 12-hour intervals on all teats. Treatments were applied after each milking for 30 days and were initiated after the second broth dip. Teat skin swab specimens and milk samples were collected before treatment application. Teat skin condition was scored daily. Nonchapped teats (treatment 2) did not support skin or orifice colonization by S aureus. Treatment-1 teats healed most rapidly and supported less colonization in skin and orifice than did treatment-3 and -4 teats. Teat skin scores and skin colonization were lower for treatment-3 than treatment-4 teats. A correlation between teat skin colonization and teat skin conditions was found. Two intramammary infections were found in treatment-4 quarters and 1 in a treatment-3 quarter.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)     

新疆特色植物对金黄色葡萄球菌生物膜形成的影响

采用微孔板半定量法,探讨新疆特色植物甘草、盐穗木、醉马草、苦豆子的水煎液对金黄色葡萄球菌临床菌株生物膜形成能力的影响。结果表明,盐穗木和甘草水煎液通过2种方式抑制金黄色葡萄球菌生物膜形成:低浓度时不影响细菌生长但抑制生物膜形成;高浓度时通过抑制细菌生长削弱生物膜形成能力。而苦豆子与醉马草水煎液对金黄色葡萄球菌生物膜形成的抑制作用则不依赖于其对细菌生长的抑制。     

Effects of Chlorhexidine Gluconate and Chlorous Acid-Chlorine Dioxide on Equine Fibroblasts and Staphylococcus aureus

Equine fibroblasts and Staphylococcus aureus were exposed for 30 minutes to six dilutions of chlorhexidine gluconate, a chlorous acid-chlorine dioxide irrigation solution, a chlorous acid-chlorine dioxide disinfectant, and phosphate buffered saline controls. Cell viability was determined by trypsinizing the cells, staining them with trypan blue, and counting cells that did not take the stain. All fibroblasts were killed when exposed to 1.0% and 0.5% chlorhexidine. The survival rate of fibroblasts increased linearly with decreasing concentrations of chlorhexidine gluconate, with a peak survival of 50% at 0.005% chlorhexidine. The chlorous acid-chlorine dioxide irrigation solution was the least toxic to fibroblasts, with survival rates equivalent to those of controls. The chlorous acid-chlorine dioxide disinfectant was 100% cytotoxic even when diluted 1:1 with phosphate buffered saline. S. aureus growth was inhibited by 1.0% and 0.5% chlorhexidine gluconate; concentrations of 0.05%, 0.01%, and 0.005% did not differ from sterile water controls. The chlorous acid-chlorine dioxide irrigation solution did not inhibit growth of S. aureus in brain-heart infusion broth. The chlorous acid-chlorine dioxide disinfectant inhibited growth of S. aureus.     

Diagnostic implications of detection of proteinase K-resistant protein in spleen, lymph nodes, and brain of sheep.

Brain, spleen, and selected lymph nodes from sheep with clinical signs of scrapie were analyzed for presence of proteinase K-resistant protein (PrP-res). Diagnosis of scrapie on the basis of detection of PrP-res was compared with diagnosis on the basis of histologic evaluation of the brain from clinically affected or exposed sheep. Proteinase K-resistant protein was found in every brain that was histologically positive for scrapie, and in addition, was found in the brain of several clinically positive sheep that were not diagnosed as scrapie-positive by histologic evaluation. Proteinase K-resistant protein was also found in 87% of the spleens and lymph nodes from sheep that had PrP-res detected in brain homogenates. Therefore, analysis of sheep brain, spleen, or lymph nodes for PrP-res provided a diagnostic approach that was superior to histologic examination alone for detection of naturally scrapie agent-infected sheep.     

Phenotypic and genotypic characteristics of Staphylococcus aureus isolates from raw bulk-tank milk samples of goats and sheep

Two hundred and ninety-three isolates of Staphylococcus aureus obtained from 127 bulk-tank milk samples of goats and sheep from Switzerland were characterised by pheno- and genotypic traits. Of the 293 S. aureus isolates, 193 (65.9%) were egg yolk-negative and 15 (5.1%) were negative for clumping factor and/or protein A determined by a latex agglutinating test system. For 285 isolates, PCR amplification of the 3' end of the coagulase gene showed a single amplicon. Five differently sized PCR products of 500, 580, 660, 740 and 820 bp were distinguished. In 191 isolates (n = 293) staphylococcal enterotoxin (SE) genes were detected: 123 isolates tested positive for SEC gene, 31 for SEG gene, 28 for SEA gene, 26 for SEJ gene, 24 for SEI gene, 4 for SEB gene and 4 for SED gene. Furthermore, 126 isolates were positive for the gene encoding the toxic shock syndrome toxin 1. Coagulase gene restriction profile analysis of the 145 isolates harbouring SEA or SEC genes revealed six different patterns using AluI and five different patterns using HaeIII. In summary, within these two groups, high genotypic uniformity within the different sized coagulase gene amplicons was demonstrated. This is the first study providing comprehensive characterisation data of S. aureus strains originating from bulk-tank milk samples of goats and sheep. Remarkable differences in phenotypic traits between S. aureus originating from goats and sheep and bovine milk were found. Moreover, the high prevalence of toxin-producing S. aureus may be important as it is relevant to food hygiene.