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Enterotoxigenicity ofStaphylococcus aureus strains from clinical isolates

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Abstract

The enterotoxigenicity of 208 strains ofStaphylococcus aureus isolated from clinical specimens and four strains isolated from food was investigated. All strains were examined for production of enterotoxins A, B, C, D, and E in cellophane-over-agar cultures using a modified optimum-sensitivity-plate method. Strains from systemic infections were also examined for production of toxicshock toxin. The overall frequency of enterotoxigenic strains among the clinical isolates was 42 %. Enterotoxin A was the predominant enterotoxin found among positive strains (45/88). Enterotoxins B to E were found in decreasing order of frequency. Twenty-three strains produced two enterotoxins and one strain three toxins. A significant association was observed between multiresistance of strains (defined as resistance against penicillin and at least two other antibiotics) and enterotoxin B production. Strains from phage groups I and III produced predominantly enterotoxin A. Four of the five strains producing toxic shock toxin belonged to phage group I; one was not classifiable.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Hygiene-Institut, Universität Köln, Goldenfelsstr. 21, 5000, Cologne 41, FRG

    G. Mauff, I. Röhrig, Ulrike Ernzer & G. Pulverer

  2. Institut für Medizinische Mikrobiologie und Immunologie, Universität Bonn, Venusberg, 5300, Bonn, FRG

    W. Lenz

  3. Food Research Institute, University of Wisconsin, 1925 Willow Drive, 53706, Madison, Wisconsin, USA

    M. Bergdoll

Authors
  1. G. Mauff
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  2. I. Röhrig
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  3. Ulrike Ernzer
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  4. W. Lenz
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  5. M. Bergdoll
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  6. G. Pulverer
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Mauff, G., Röhrig, I., Ernzer, U. et al. Enterotoxigenicity ofStaphylococcus aureus strains from clinical isolates. Eur. J, Clin. Microbiol. 2, 321–326 (1983). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF02019461

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