Pathogenic Microbiology Commons^™

In Silico Prediction Of Protein-Protein Interactions Between Cronobacter Sakazakii And Human Host, Sean Held

Theses

The genus Cronobacter accommodates 16 biogroups of the emerging opportunistic pathogen known formerly as Enterobacter sakazakii. Cronobacter are occasional contaminants of milk powder and, consequently, powdered infant formula (PIT). Since it is a pathogen that is transmitted in infant formula it represents a significant health risk to neonates. These bacteria are opportunistic pathogens (can only cause disease when the host's resistance is low) and are linked with life-threatening infections in neonates. Some of the clinical symptoms of Cronohacter infection include necrotizing enterocolitis, bacteremia, and meningitis, with case fatality rates of 50-80% being reported (Healy et al. 2010). Infant formula manufacturers …

Examination Of The Prevalence And Persistence Of Pathogenic Staphylococci On Euro Currency, Emma Gabriel

Theses

Staphylococci are a diverse group of bacteria that cause diseases ranging from minor skin infections to life-threatening bacteremia. Methicillin-resistant S. aureus (MRSA) is the most common multidrug-resistant nosocomial pathogen in Europe estimated to cause 170,000 infections resulting in more than 5,000 deaths and additional healthcare costs of approximately €380 million annually (Kock et al., 201 1). Whilst rarely life-threatening, coagulase-negative staphylococci (CoNS), in particular S. epidermidis are responsible for the majority of indwelling medical device failures, causing intrinsically resistant biofilm infections, estimated to cost $2 billion per year in additional healthcare costs in the U.S. alone (Otto, 2009).

It is …