Serum calprotectin levels in dogs with diarrhea

Background: Diarrhea induced by infectious factors may lead to significant health problems in dogs. Canine parvovirus(CPV), canine coronavirus (CCV), canine distemper virus (CDV), Giardia spp., Escherichia coli (E. coli), and Salmonella spp. are the important infectious agents that may induce diarrhea in dogs. The present study aimed to investigatethe effect of CPV, CCV, CDV, Giardia spp., E. coli, and Salmonella spp. infections on the change in serum calprotectin(Calp) concentration.Materials, Methods & Results: A total of 30 dogs were enrolled in the study. The study dogs were divided into 3 groups.Healthy animals as confirmed by clinical examination and animals negative for the specified pathogens were placed inGroup 1. Animals infected by one or more agents, including CPV, CCV, CDV, and Giardia spp., but negative for E. coli orSalmonella spp. were placed in Group 2. Finally, animals positive for E. coli or Salmonella spp. and infected or not infectedby one or more agents, including CPV, CCV, CDV, and Giardia spp., were placed in Group 3. Stool samples and rectaland conjunctival swab samples were collected to investigate the etiologic agents that induced diarrhea. Blood samples werecollected through vena cephalica antebrachii for hematological and biochemical examinations. The samples were obtainedvia routine clinical examinations at the Prof. Dr. Servet Sekin outpatient clinic at Dicle University Veterinary Faculty. CPV,CCV, CDV, and Giardia spp. diagnoses were made based on immunochromatographic test kits. The bacteriological analysisof stool samples was used to diagnose E. coli and Salmonella spp. infection...

Serum calprotectin levels in dogs with diarrhea

Background: Diarrhea induced by infectious factors may lead to significant health problems in dogs. Canine parvovirus(CPV), canine coronavirus (CCV), canine distemper virus (CDV), Giardia spp., Escherichia coli (E. coli), and Salmonella spp. are the important infectious agents that may induce diarrhea in dogs. The present study aimed to investigatethe effect of CPV, CCV, CDV, Giardia spp., E. coli, and Salmonella spp. infections on the change in serum calprotectin(Calp) concentration.Materials, Methods & Results: A total of 30 dogs were enrolled in the study. The study dogs were divided into 3 groups.Healthy animals as confirmed by clinical examination and animals negative for the specified pathogens were placed inGroup 1. Animals infected by one or more agents, including CPV, CCV, CDV, and Giardia spp., but negative for E. coli orSalmonella spp. were placed in Group 2. Finally, animals positive for E. coli or Salmonella spp. and infected or not infectedby one or more agents, including CPV, CCV, CDV, and Giardia spp., were placed in Group 3. Stool samples and rectaland conjunctival swab samples were collected to investigate the etiologic agents that induced diarrhea. Blood samples werecollected through vena cephalica antebrachii for hematological and biochemical examinations. The samples were obtainedvia routine clinical examinations at the Prof. Dr. Servet Sekin outpatient clinic at Dicle University Veterinary Faculty. CPV,CCV, CDV, and Giardia spp. diagnoses were made based on immunochromatographic test kits. The bacteriological analysisof stool samples was used to diagnose E. coli and Salmonella spp. infection...(AU)

Genomic characterization, antimicrobial resistance profiles, enterotoxin, and biofilm production of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus isolated from clinical and animal products origins in Eastern Turkey / Caracterização genômica perfis de resistência antimicrobiana, produção de enterotoxinas e biofilme Staphylococcus aureus resistente à meticilina isolado de origem clínica e de produtos de origem animal no leste da Turquia

Staphylococcus aureus is an opportunistic and ubiquitous pathogen found in the skin, nares, and mucosal membranes of mammals. Increasing resistance to antimicrobials including methicillin has become an important public concern. One hundred and eight (108) S. aureus strains isolated from a total of 572 clinical and animal products samples, were investigated for their biofilm capability, methicillin resistance, enterotoxin genes, and genetic diversity. Although only one strain isolated from raw retail was found as a strong biofilm producer, the percentage of antimicrobial resistance pattern was relatively higher. 17.59% of S. aureus strains tested in this study were resistant to cefoxitin and identified as methicillin-resistant S. aureus (MRSA) isolates. mecA and mecC harboring S. aureus strains were detected at a rate of 2.79% and 0.93%, respectively. In addition, staphylococcal enterotoxin genes including Sea, Seb, Sec, and Sed genes were found to be 18.5%, 32.4%, 6.5% and 3.7%, respectively. The phylogenetic relationship among the isolates showed relationship between joint calf and cow milk isolates. Multi locus sequence typing (MLST) revealed three different sequence types (STs) including ST84, ST829, and ST6238. These findings highlight the development and spread of MRSA strains with zoonotic potential in animals and the food chain throughout the world.

Staphylococcus aureus é um patógeno dúctil e ubíquo encontrado na pele, narinas e membranas mucosas de mamíferos. O aumento da resistência aos antimicrobianos, incluindo a meticilina, tornou-se uma importante preocupação pública. Cento e oito (108) cepas de S. aureus isoladas de um total de 572 amostras clínicas e de produtos animais foram investigadas por sua capacidade de biofilme, resistência à meticilina, genes de enterotoxinas e diversidade genética. Embora apenas uma cepa isolada do cru tenha sido encontrada como forte produtora de biofilme, a porcentagem do padrão de resistência antimicrobiana foi relativamente maior. Parte das cepas (17,59%) de S. aureus testadas neste estudo eram resistentes à cefoxitina e identificadas como isolados de MRSA. mecA e mecC abrigando cepas de S. aureus foram detectados a uma taxa de 2,79% e 0,93%, respectivamente. Além disso, verificou-se que os genes da enterotoxina estafilocócica, incluindo os genes Sea, Seb, Sec e Sed, eram 18,5%, 32,4%, 6,5% e 3,7%, respectivamente. A relação filogenética entre os isolados mostrou relação entre os isolados de bezerro e leite de vaca. A tipagem de sequência multiloco (MLST) revelou três tipos de sequência diferentes (STs), incluindo ST84, ST829 e ST6238. Essas descobertas destacam o desenvolvimento e a disseminação de cepas de MRSA com potencial zoonótico em animais e na cadeia alimentar em todo o mundo.

Bacillus Cereus in Eggshell: Enterotoxigenic Profiles and Biofilm Production

A study was carried out with the objective of determining the presence of Bacillus cereus in eggshells commercialized in Mexico, the enterotoxigenic profile of the isolated strains, and the production of biofilms in different materials as well as in the eggshell. 1000 chicken eggs from four commercial brands were collected from markets and supermarkets located in the city of Chilpancingo, Mexico. Bacillus cereus was isolated from the eggshell. The molecular identification was by amplification of the gyrB gene and the enterotoxigenic profiles by the amplification of the cytK, ces, nheABC, and hblABD genes, in addition to the amplification of the tasA and sipW genes associated with the production of biofilms. In different materials and in eggshells, the production of biofilms was evaluated. The microbiological and molecular analysis of B. cereus yielded a frequency of 5.5% (55/1000), this was higher in brand III (11.6%, p=0.0001) and white eggshell (7.6%, 38/500, p≤0.001) and by marketing source, it was similar between market (5.2% / 26/500) and supermarket (5.8%, 29/500). The most common was the toxigenic profile A (23/55). Biofilm production is high in PVC in relation to other materials (p<0.0001), and the frequency of the related genes tasA and sipW was 72.7% and 40% respectively; the highest production was related to the tasA gene; in eggshell, most of the strains (54/55) were able to produce biofilm. Strains of B. cereus with toxigenic potential circulate and persist in this product, which shows the need for sanitary regulation in the country.(AU)

Qualidade microbiológica de alimentos da culinária japonesa vendidos em restaurantes em Botucatu, SP / Microbiological quality of japanese cuisine foods sold in restaurants in Botucatu, SP

Verificamos a qualidade microbiológica de alimentos da culinária japonesa comercializados em restaurantes de Botucatu/SP. Foram analisadas 70 amostras coletadas em 14 restaurantes, em busca de Bacillus cereus, Staphylococcus aureus, Vibrio parahaemolyticus, Salmonella e coliformes termotolerantes (CT). Isolados de S. aureus foram investigados quanto à presença de genes que codificam a produção de biofilme (bap, icaA e icaD) e algumas enterotoxinas (sea-sei). A formação de biofilme in vitro foi testada. Das 70 amostras, 50 (71,4%) apresentaram CT e 27 (38,6%) eram impróprias para consumo. Salmonella, V. parahaemolyticus e B. cereus não foram detectados. S. aureus foi observado em 5 (7,1%) amostras. Os genes clássicos de enterotoxinas não foram detectados. O gene seh foi observado em 2 isolados, enquanto seg e sei estiveram presentes outros 2 isolados. Todas as cepas de S. aureus foram produtoras moderadas de biofilme. O gene icaD estava presente em todos os isolados e o icaA em 40%. Devido à presença de CT, indicador de contaminação fecal, e S. aureus, indicador de falta de higiene durante o manuseio, a comida japonesa comercializada em Botucatu-SP não pode ser considerada segura para consumo.(AU)

We verified the microbiological quality of Japanese cuisine foods sold in restaurants in Botucatu/SP. Seventy samples collected from 14 restaurants were analyzed, searching for Bacillus cereus Staphylococcus aureus, Vibrio parahaemolyticus, Salmonella and thermotolerant coliforms (TC). S. aureus isolates were investigated for the presence of genes encoding the biofilm production (bap, icaA and icaD) and some enterotoxins (sea-sei). The biofilm formation in vitro was tested. Considering the 70 samples, 50 (71.4%) had TC, and 27 (38.6%) were unfit for consumption. Salmonella, V. parahaemolyticus and B. cereus were not detected. S. aureus was observed in 5 (7.1%) samples. The classical enterotoxin genes were not detected. The seh gene was observed in 2 isolates, while both seg and sei were present in more 2 isolates. All strains of S. aureus were moderate producers of biofilm. The icaD gene was present in all isolates and icaA in 40%. Due to the presence of TC, an indicator of fecal contamination and S. aureus, also an indicator of poor hygiene during handling, Japanese food sold in Botucatu-SP cannot be considered safe for consumption.(AU)

Detection of enterotoxin and adhesin genes of Escherichia coli strains isolated from feces of healthy dogs / Detecção de genes de enterotoxinas e adesinas em cepas de Escherichia coliisoladas de fezes de cães saudáveis

This study aimed to investigate the presence of genes encoding the enterotoxins STa and Stx1 and the adhesins K99 and Intimin in E. coli strains isolated from feces of dogs who appeared to be healthy. Rectal swab samples were collected from 50 dogs who visited the Veterinary Hospital of the University of Brasilia and 48 E. coli isolates were obtained. No positive isolates were found for STa and K99. However, positive results were found in 21 isolates (43.7%) for Stx1 and 14 isolates (29%) for the Intimin gene (eae). The antimicrobial sensitivity profile was also assessed for the following antibiotics: sulfazothrim, azithromycin, enrofloxacin, ceftiofur, amoxicillin + clavulanate, doxycycline, ampicillin, and cephalexin. The antibiotics on which the isolates showed the highest resistance were ampicillin (25%), doxycycline (22.9%) and cephalexin (20.8%). As for sensitivity, the isolates were most sensitive to sulfazothrim (87.5%), azithromycin (85.41%) and enrofloxacin (77%). Healthy dogs can carry multidrug-resistant E. coli strains that can also carry enterotoxin and adhesin genes, thus indicating that, the proximity between dogs and humans may contribute to possible zoonotic transmission of these microorganisms.

Este estudo teve como objetivo investigar a presença de genes que codificam as enterotoxinas STa e Stx1 e as adesinas K99 e Intiminaem cepas de E. coliisoladas de fezes de cãesaparentementesaudáveis. Amostras de swab retal foram coletadas de 50 cães que visitaram o Hospital Veterinário da Universidade de Brasília e 48 isolados de E. coliforam obtidos. Não foram encontrados isolados positivos para STa e K99. No entanto, resultados positivos foram encontrados em 21 isolados (43,7%) para Stx1 e 14 isolados (29%) para o gene Intimina(eae). O perfil de sensibilidade antimicrobiana também foi avaliado para os seguintes antibióticos: sulfazotrim, azitromicina, enrofloxacina, ceftiofur, amoxicilina + clavulanato, doxiciclina, ampicilina,e cefalexina. Os antibióticos nos quais os isolados apresentaram maior resistência foramaampicilina (25%), doxiciclina (22,9%) e cefalexina (20,8%). Quanto à sensibilidade, os isolados foram mais sensíveis ao sulfazotrim (87,5%), azitromicina (85,41%) e enrofloxacina (77%). Cães saudáveis podem carrearcepas de E. colimultirresistentes que por sua vez também podem carreargenes codificadores de enterotoxina e adesina, indicando assim que a proximidade entre cães e humanos pode contribuir para a possível transmissão zoonótica desses microrganismos.

Detection of virulence factors in coagulase-negative Staphylococcus spp. strains isolated from Emmental cheese / Detecção de fatores de virulência em cepas de Staphylococcus spp. coagulase negativos isoladas de queijo Emmental

Food prepared with products derived from animals are involved in most cases of staphylococcal poisoning; therefore, the research of Staphylococcus spp. in Emmental cheese is more applicable. The objective of this study was to identify coagulase-negative Staphylococcus spp. (CNS) in cheese using biochemical and molecular techniques to detect the presence of nine genes responsible for the production of enterotoxins. From 180 samples analyzed, 204 CNS strains were obtained and identified as being 46 (22.6%) S. saprophyticus strains, 27 (13.2%) S. hominis spp. hominis strains, 22 (10.8%) S. sciuri strains, 21 (10.3%) S. xylosus strains, 19 (9.3%) S. epidermidis strains, 19 (9.3%) S. haemolyticus strains, 17 (8.3%) S. lentus strains, 17 (8.3%) S. warneri strains, 11 (5.4%) S. equorum strains and 5 (2.5%) S. cohnni . Using the PCRm protocol, 14 (6.9%) strains with the presence of the genes on the enterotoxin E (SEE)11 (78.6%), J (SEJ) 1 (7%), C (SEC) 1 (7%) and I (SEI) 1 (7%) were detected. Based on the results, the type of package is not interfered of growth and isolated that Staphylococcus spp. in cheese. It was observed that bacteria capacity to produce coagulase cannot be understood as an indicative of enterotoxigenicity; therefore, the CNS should be considered as a target of importance in the epidemiology of staphylococcal intoxications. It can be concluded that CNS need to be included in bacterial foodborne disease research, since the genes responsible for the production of toxins were detected and none of the studied samples presented Staphylococcus spp. counting above the limits allowed by legislation.(AU)

Os alimentos preparados com produtos de origem animal são os mais envolvidos em casos de intoxicação alimentar estafilocócica; portanto a pesquisa do Staphylococcus spp. em queijos tipo Emmental é relevante. O objetivo foi isolar e identificar espécies de Staphylococcus coagulase negativas (CNS)de queijo Emmental acondicionado em vários tipos de embalagem, por meio de técnicas bacteriológicas e bioquímicas e detectar, por PCR, a presença de nove genes responsáveis pela produção de enterotoxinas. Das 180 amostras, foram isoladas 204 cepas de CNS, que foram identificadas por provas bioquímicas como: 46 (22,6%) S. saprophyticus, 27 (13,2%) S. hominis spp. hominis, 22 (10,8%) S. sciuri, 21 (10,3%) S. xylosus, 19 (9,3%) S. epidermidis , 19 (9,3%) S. haemolyticus , 17 (8,3%) S. lentus , 17 (8,3%) S. warneri , 11(5,4%) S. equorum e 5 (2,5%) S. cohnii . Na PCR multiplex, em 14 (6,9%) isolados foi detectada a presença dos genes para enterotoxina E (SEE), em 11 (78,6%) J (SEJ), em 1 (7%) C (SEC) e em 1 (7%) I (SEI). Com base nos resultados, o tipo de embalagem não interferiu na multiplicação dos Staphylococcus spp. isolados dos queijos. Neste estudo, verificou-se que a capacidade para a produção de coagulase pela bactéria não pode ser concebida como indicativa de enterotoxigenicidade, portanto devem-se considerar os CNS como objeto de importância na epidemiologia das intoxicações estafilocócicas, fazendo-se necessária a atenção com relação à pesquisa dos CNS nos alimentos, uma vez que foram detectados genes responsáveis pela produção de toxinas, e nenhuma das amostras apresentou contagem para Staphylococcus spp. acima do limite permitido pela legislação.(AU)

Detection of enterotoxin and adhesin genes of Escherichia coli strains isolated from feces of healthy dogs / Detecção de genes de enterotoxinas e adesinas em cepas de Escherichia coliisoladas de fezes de cães saudáveis

This study aimed to investigate the presence of genes encoding the enterotoxins STa and Stx1 and the adhesins K99 and Intimin in E. coli strains isolated from feces of dogs who appeared to be healthy. Rectal swab samples were collected from 50 dogs who visited the Veterinary Hospital of the University of Brasilia and 48 E. coli isolates were obtained. No positive isolates were found for STa and K99. However, positive results were found in 21 isolates (43.7%) for Stx1 and 14 isolates (29%) for the Intimin gene (eae). The antimicrobial sensitivity profile was also assessed for the following antibiotics: sulfazothrim, azithromycin, enrofloxacin, ceftiofur, amoxicillin + clavulanate, doxycycline, ampicillin, and cephalexin. The antibiotics on which the isolates showed the highest resistance were ampicillin (25%), doxycycline (22.9%) and cephalexin (20.8%). As for sensitivity, the isolates were most sensitive to sulfazothrim (87.5%), azithromycin (85.41%) and enrofloxacin (77%). Healthy dogs can carry multidrug-resistant E. coli strains that can also carry enterotoxin and adhesin genes, thus indicating that, the proximity between dogs and humans may contribute to possible zoonotic transmission of these microorganisms.(AU)

Este estudo teve como objetivo investigar a presença de genes que codificam as enterotoxinas STa e Stx1 e as adesinas K99 e Intiminaem cepas de E. coliisoladas de fezes de cãesaparentementesaudáveis. Amostras de swab retal foram coletadas de 50 cães que visitaram o Hospital Veterinário da Universidade de Brasília e 48 isolados de E. coliforam obtidos. Não foram encontrados isolados positivos para STa e K99. No entanto, resultados positivos foram encontrados em 21 isolados (43,7%) para Stx1 e 14 isolados (29%) para o gene Intimina(eae). O perfil de sensibilidade antimicrobiana também foi avaliado para os seguintes antibióticos: sulfazotrim, azitromicina, enrofloxacina, ceftiofur, amoxicilina + clavulanato, doxiciclina, ampicilina,e cefalexina. Os antibióticos nos quais os isolados apresentaram maior resistência foramaampicilina (25%), doxiciclina (22,9%) e cefalexina (20,8%). Quanto à sensibilidade, os isolados foram mais sensíveis ao sulfazotrim (87,5%), azitromicina (85,41%) e enrofloxacina (77%). Cães saudáveis podem carrearcepas de E. colimultirresistentes que por sua vez também podem carreargenes codificadores de enterotoxina e adesina, indicando assim que a proximidade entre cães e humanos pode contribuir para a possível transmissão zoonótica desses microrganismos.(AU)

Detection of virulence factors in coagulase-negative Staphylococcus spp. strains isolated from Emmental cheese / Detecção de fatores de virulência em cepas de Staphylococcus spp. coagulase negativos isoladas de queijo Emmental

Food prepared with products derived from animals are involved in most cases of staphylococcal poisoning; therefore, the research of Staphylococcus spp. in Emmental cheese is more applicable. The objective of this study was to identify coagulase-negative Staphylococcus spp. (CNS) in cheese using biochemical and molecular techniques to detect the presence of nine genes responsible for the production of enterotoxins. From 180 samples analyzed, 204 CNS strains were obtained and identified as being 46 (22.6%) S. saprophyticus strains, 27 (13.2%) S. hominis spp. hominis strains, 22 (10.8%) S. sciuri strains, 21 (10.3%) S. xylosus strains, 19 (9.3%) S. epidermidis strains, 19 (9.3%) S. haemolyticus strains, 17 (8.3%) S. lentus strains, 17 (8.3%) S. warneri strains, 11 (5.4%) S. equorum strains and 5 (2.5%) S. cohnni . Using the PCRm protocol, 14 (6.9%) strains with the presence of the genes on the enterotoxin E (SEE)11 (78.6%), J (SEJ) 1 (7%), C (SEC) 1 (7%) and I (SEI) 1 (7%) were detected. Based on the results, the type of package is not interfered of growth and isolated that Staphylococcus spp. in cheese. It was observed that bacteria capacity to produce coagulase cannot be understood as an indicative of enterotoxigenicity; therefore, the CNS should be considered as a target of importance in the epidemiology of staphylococcal intoxications. It can be concluded that CNS need to be included in bacterial foodborne disease research, since the genes responsible for the production of toxins were detected and none of the studied samples presented Staphylococcus spp. counting above the limits allowed by legislation.(AU)

Os alimentos preparados com produtos de origem animal são os mais envolvidos em casos de intoxicação alimentar estafilocócica; portanto a pesquisa do Staphylococcus spp. em queijos tipo Emmental é relevante. O objetivo foi isolar e identificar espécies de Staphylococcus coagulase negativas (CNS)de queijo Emmental acondicionado em vários tipos de embalagem, por meio de técnicas bacteriológicas e bioquímicas e detectar, por PCR, a presença de nove genes responsáveis pela produção de enterotoxinas. Das 180 amostras, foram isoladas 204 cepas de CNS, que foram identificadas por provas bioquímicas como: 46 (22,6%) S. saprophyticus, 27 (13,2%) S. hominis spp. hominis, 22 (10,8%) S. sciuri, 21 (10,3%) S. xylosus, 19 (9,3%) S. epidermidis , 19 (9,3%) S. haemolyticus , 17 (8,3%) S. lentus , 17 (8,3%) S. warneri , 11(5,4%) S. equorum e 5 (2,5%) S. cohnii . Na PCR multiplex, em 14 (6,9%) isolados foi detectada a presença dos genes para enterotoxina E (SEE), em 11 (78,6%) J (SEJ), em 1 (7%) C (SEC) e em 1 (7%) I (SEI). Com base nos resultados, o tipo de embalagem não interferiu na multiplicação dos Staphylococcus spp. isolados dos queijos. Neste estudo, verificou-se que a capacidade para a produção de coagulase pela bactéria não pode ser concebida como indicativa de enterotoxigenicidade, portanto devem-se considerar os CNS como objeto de importância na epidemiologia das intoxicações estafilocócicas, fazendo-se necessária a atenção com relação à pesquisa dos CNS nos alimentos, uma vez que foram detectados genes responsáveis pela produção de toxinas, e nenhuma das amostras apresentou contagem para Staphylococcus spp. acima do limite permitido pela legislação.(AU)

Microbiology quality, detection of enterotoxin genes and antimicrobial resistance of Staphylococcus aureus isolated from milk and Coalho cheese / Qualidade microbiológica, detecção de genes de enterotoxinas e resistência antimicrobiana de Staphylococcus aureus isolados de leite e queijo de Coalho

This study evaluated the microbiological quality of milk and Coalho cheese, the prevalence of enterotoxin genes, antimicrobial resistance and determined an inducible MLSB resistance phenotype by the D-test in strains of Staphylococcus aureus isolated from these products. Seventy samples of milk and Coalho cheese were analyzed. S. aureus strains were identified by biochemical tests. The presence of se genes (sea-see) was tested by polymerase chain reaction. The antimicrobial sensitivity of S. aureus strains was evaluated for 13 antimicrobial drugs using the disk diffusion technique and the double-disk diffusion test (D-test) was performed to determine inducible resistance to lincosamide phenotype. The amount of toxin sufficient to cause foodborne diseases is generally observed when Staphylococcus populations exceed 10(5) CFU mL-¹ g-¹. In this study, none of the milk samples analyzed showed these counts; however, 73.3% (22/30) of Coalho cheese samples exceeded this value. A total of 109 isolates were identified as S. aureus. The presence of enterotoxin genes was detected in 25.7% of these isolates and amplified only for the sec gene. Most of the isolates (78.5%) were resistant to one or more antimicrobial agents. The D test showed that 25.0% of erythromycin-resistant isolates had the constitutive resistance phenotype, and 3.8% had the inducible resistance phenotype to clindamycin. These results indicate that these dairy products represent a health risk since these bacteria can cause foodborne diseases or may be a possible route for the transfer of antimicrobial resistance to humans.(AU)

Este estudo avaliou a qualidade microbiológica de amostras de leite e queijo de Coalho, a prevalência de genes das enterotoxinas, a resistência antimicrobiana e o fenótipo de resistência MLSB por meio do D-teste, em cepas de Staphylococcus aureus isoladas destes produtos. Foram analisadas 70 amostras de leite e queijo de coalho. Cepas de S. aureus foram identificadas por meio de testes bioquímicos. A presença de genes se (sea-see) foi verificada pela técnica da reação em cadeia da polimerase (PCR). A sensibilidade antimicrobiana das cepas de S. aureus foi avaliada para 13 antimicrobianos, utilizando a técnica de difusão em disco e o ensaio de difusão de disco duplo (D-teste), para determinar o fenótipo de resistência induzível à lincosamidas. A quantidade de enterotoxina estafilocócica suficiente para causar a intoxicação alimentar é geralmente observada quando a população de estafilococos excede a contagem de 10(5) UFC mL-¹ g-¹. Neste estudo, nenhuma das amostras de leite analisadas apresentou esta contagem, entretanto, 73,3 % (22/30) das amostras de queijo de Coalho ultrapassaram este valor. Um total de 109 isolados foram identificados como S. aureus. A presença de genes de enterotoxinas foi detectada em 25,7% destas estirpes, ocorrendo amplificação apenas para o gene sec. A maioria destas bactérias (78,5 %) apresentaram resistência a um ou mais de dois agentes antimicrobianos. O D-teste demostrou que 25,0 % dos isolados resistentes à eritromicina tinham o fenótipo de resistência constitutiva e 3,8 % tinham o fenótipo de resistência induzível à clindamicina. Estes resultados indicam que estes produtos lácteos representam um risco para a saúde, desde que essas bactérias podem causar doenças de origem alimentar ou podem ser um possível caminho para a transferência de cepas resistentes aos antimicrobianos para os seres humanos.(AU)