Strain hypothesis of Toxoplasma gondii infection on the outcome of human diseases

The intracellular protozoan Toxoplasma gondii is an exceptionally successful food and waterborne parasite that infects approximately 1 billion people worldwide. Genotyping of T. gondii isolates from all continents revealed a complex population structure. Recent research supports the notion that T. gondii genotype may be associated with disease severity. Here, we (1) discuss molecular and serological approaches for designation of T. gondii strain type, (2) overview the literatures on the association of T. gondii strain type and the outcome of human disease and (3) explore possible mechanisms underlying these strain‐specific pathology and severity of human toxoplasmosis. Although no final conclusions can be drawn, it is clear that virulent strains (e.g. strains containing type I or atypical alleles) are significantly more often associated with increased frequency and severity of human toxoplasmosis. The significance of highly virulent strains can cause severe diseases in immunocompetent patients and might implicated in brain disorders such as schizophrenia should led to reconsideration of toxoplasmosis. Further studies that combine parasite strain typing and human factor analysis (e.g. immune status and genetic background) are required for better understanding of human susceptibility or resistance to toxoplasmosis.     

Expression of MexAB‐OprM efflux pump system and susceptibility to antibiotics of different Pseudomonas aeruginosa clones isolated from patients hospitalized in two intensive care units at University Hospital in Bialystok (northeastern Poland) between January 2002 and December 2009

We investigated the genetic similarities and expression of the MexAB‐OprM efflux pump system in different clones of multiresistant Pseudomonas aeruginosa strains collected from 2002 to 2009 at two intensive care units (ICU). Regulatory and structural genes mexB, mexR, and mexA were found in 99%, 98%, and 94% of tested strains, respectively. The presence of class 1 integron was found in 90% of the strains, while class 2 integron in only one strain (Psa506). Class 3 integron was not found in any of the tested strains. Among the eleven clones identified, only two clones, I and D, exhibited higher levels of mexB gene expression than the other clones. Clone I had the highest expression (FC = 10.36, p < 0.05). The results of our study indicated a high level of MexAB‐OprM pump expression in groups of strains isolated in the years 2008–2009 (FC = 12.92, p < 0.03) and 2002–2006 (FC = 5.14, p < 0.03). There were no statistically significant differences in resistance to all tested antibiotics among the various clones. The high level of antimicrobial resistance may have been due to the coexistence of different resistance mechanisms among the studied P. aeruginosa strains. However, this does not exclude the contribution of the MexAB‐OprM pump, particularly in resistance to meropenem and ciprofloxacin.     

Eucalyptus citriodora leaf extract‐mediated biosynthesis of silver nanoparticles: broad antimicrobial spectrum and mechanisms of action against hospital‐acquired pathogens

Pathogen resistance to conventional antibiotics has become a serious clinical and public health problem, making the development of an alternative mean a very urgent issue. Recently, biosynthesis of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) was successfully accomplished in the presence of Eucalyptus citriodora leaf extract as a reducing agent. In this study, the antimicrobial mechanisms of AgNPs against important hospital‐acquired pathogens, including Gram‐positive, Gram‐negative bacteria, and fungi were further assessed. The results indicated that AgNPs could enhance a broad antimicrobial spectrum against drug‐resistant organisms, with a range of minimum inhibitory concentration from 0.02 to 0.36 μg/mL. Time‐kill assay showed that AgNPs produced bactericidal effects on the microorganisms. AgNPs could significantly reduce biofilm production in pathogens without affecting growth of the pathogens (p < 0.05). AgNPs inhibited cell viability and biofilm formation in a dose‐dependent manner. Cell membrane damage in microorganisms resulting from effects of AgNPs was observed. A significant increase in per cent uptake of crystal violet was observed in all isolates treated with AgNPs when compared with the control (p < 0.05). Upon treatment with AgNPs, the surface charge of the reference strains and clinical isolates of pathogens moved towards neutral. The alteration of surface potential after exposure to AgNPs could contribute to membrane disruption and cell viability. Scanning electron microscopy further confirmed morphological cell changes and disrupted the cell membrane. Increasing resistance to AgNPs was not induced by stepwise isolation of the bacteria after 45 passages on Luria‐Bertani agar supplemented with AgNPs. Furthermore, AgNPs was not toxic to red blood cells.     

Influence of volatile organic compounds emitted by Pseudomonas and Serratia strains on Agrobacterium tumefaciens biofilms

The ability to form biofilms plays an important role in bacteria‐host interactions, including plant pathogenicity. In this work, we investigated the action of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) produced by rhizospheric strains of Pseudomonas chlororaphis 449, Pseudomonas fluorescens B‐4117, Serratia plymuthica IC1270, as well as Serratia proteamaculans strain 94, isolated from spoiled meat, on biofilms formation by three strains of Agrobacterium tumefaciens which are causative agents of crown‐gall disease in a wide range of plants. In dual culture assays, the pool of volatiles emitted by the tested Pseudomonas and Serratia strains suppressed the formation of biofilms of A. tumefaciens strains grown on polycarbonate membrane filters and killed Agrobacterium cells in mature biofilms. The individual VOCs produced by the tested Pseudomonas strains, that is, ketones (2‐nonanone, 2‐heptanone, 2‐undecanone), and dimethyl disulfide (DMDS) produced by Serratia strains, were shown to kill A. tumefaciens cells in mature biofilms and suppress their formation. The data obtained in this study suggest an additional potential of some ketones and DMDS as protectors of plants against A. tumefaciens strains, whose virulence is associated with the formation of biofilms on the infected plants.     

Survival of Campylobacter jejuni and Campylobacter coli water isolates in lake and well water

The role of water for transmission of Campylobacter jejuni and C. coli to humans might be underestimated, as factors important for bacterial viability in water are largely unknown. We have studied water survival of seven C. jejuni and eight C. coli isolates originally isolated from Swedish waters, together with selected reference strains, over eight days at 4 °C in the dark in untreated water collected from a local lake and a private well. To study seasonality, lake water samples were collected during spring and autumn. Samples for culturable bacterial counts were taken on days 2, 4, 6, and 8 and compared to the start inoculum. For C. jejuni, a significantly better survival was observed in autumn than in spring lake water. Furthermore, C. jejuni had a significantly better survival than C. coli in autumn lake and well water samples; the rate of culturability loss was almost double for C. coli in autumn lake water. These findings contribute to a better understanding on the seasonality of waterborne Campylobacter infections and the general predominance of C. jejuni.     

Influence of MKP medium stored for prolonged periods on growth and morphology of Borrelia afzelii,Borrelia garinii,and Borrelia burgdorferi sensu stricto

Modified Kelly‐Pettenkofer (MKP) medium is one of the several media used for isolation and cultivation of Borrelia. The aim of the study was to assess whether particular Borrelia species (B. afzelii, B. garinii, and B. burgdorferi sensu stricto) have the ability to grow in MKP medium stored at +4 °C for periods for 1 month up to 1 year, and how prolonged storage may influences Borrelia growth and morphology. The growth of Borrelia was evaluated after 5 days of incubation at 33 °C: cell count per mL, morphology, and motility were assessed. The results of this study showed that the duration of storage of MKP medium had statistically significant influence on growth of B. afzelii (p = 0.021) and B. garinii (p = 0.004), but not on growth of B. burgdorferi sensu stricto (p = 0.204), whereas duration of storage of the medium had no impact on Borrelia morphology and motility. The results of the study indicate that medium stored for more than 1 and up to 12 months supports Borrelia growth.     

Zwitterionic carboxybetaine polymer surfaces and their resistance to long-term biofilm formation

In this work, we report a systematic study of zwitterionic poly(carboxybetaine methacrylate) (pCBMA) grafted from glass surfaces via atom transfer radical polymerization (ATRP) for their resistance to long-term bacterial biofilm formation. Results show that pCBMA-grafted surfaces are highly resistant to non-specific protein adsorption (fibrinogen and undiluted blood plasma) at 25, 30 and 37 °C. Long-term (over 24 h) colonization of two bacterial strains (Pseudomonas aeruginosa PAO1 and Pseudomonas putida strain 239) on pCBMA surface was studied using a parallel flow cell at 25, 30 and 37 °C. Uncoated glass cover slips were chosen as the positive reference. Results show that pCBMA coatings reduced long-term biofilm formation of P. aeruginosa up to 240 h by 95% at 25 °C and for 64 h by 93% at 37 °C, and suppressed P. putida biofilm accumulation up to 192 h by 95% at 30 °C, with respect to the glass reference. The ability of pCBMA coatings to resist non-specific protein adsorption and significantly retard bacterial biofilm formation makes it a very promising material for biomedical and industrial applications.     

Enteric gram‐negative bacilli suppress Candida biofilms on Foley urinary catheters

Mixed Candida‐bacterial biofilms in urinary catheters are common in hospitalized patients. (i) The aims of this study were to evaluate, quantitatively and qualitatively, the in vitro development of mono‐ and dual‐species biofilms (MSBs and DSBs) of Candida albicans and two enteric gram‐negative bacilli (EGNB; Pseudomonas aeruginosa or Escherichia coli) on Foley catheter (FC) discs, (ii) to determine the biofilm growth in tryptic soy broth or glucose supplemented artificial urine (AU) and (iii) to assess the inhibitory effects of EGNB and their lipopolysaccharides (LPS) on Candida biofilm growth. The growth of MSBs and DSBs on FC discs was monitored by cell counts and SEM. The metabolic activity of LPS‐treated Candida biofilms was determined by the XTT reduction assay. Candida albicans and EGNB demonstrated significant inter‐ and intra‐species differences in biofilm growth on FC discs (p < 0.01). Pseudomonas aeruginosa suppressed Candida albicans significantly (p < 0.001) in DSBs. Compared with MSBs, DSB of EGNB in glucose supplemented AU demonstrated robust growth. Escherichia coli and its LPS, significantly suppressed Candida biofilm growth, compared with Pseudomonas aeruginosa and its LPS (p < 0.001). Candida albicans and EGNB colonization in FC is significantly increased in AU with glucose, and variably modified by Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa and their corresponding LPS.     

Enteroaggregative Escherichia coli quantification in children stool samples using quantitative PCR

Enteroaggregative Escherichia coli (EAEC) is a common cause of infectious diarrhea, especially in children living in poor‐resource countries. In this article, we present a SYBR Green‐based real‐time polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) method for quantitative detection of EAEC in DNA directly extracted from human stool samples. To test the proposed qPCR system, we examined specificity, sensitivity, repeatability, and also the degree of DNA extraction efficiency using EAEC strain 042 spiked into EAEC‐free stool sample. The specificity of this assay was proved using six strains of EAEC, seven strains of other E. coli types, and one strain of Shigella. The detection limit of qPCR was 67 CFU/reaction. In naturally infected stool samples, we found EAEC in quantities varying from 6.7 × 10⁵ to 2 × 10⁹ CFU/g of feces. We could not detect any reduction after stool DNA extraction for the amounts of 10⁷ and 10⁶ CFU/mL of spiked EAEC. This qPCR assay is simple, rapid, reproducible, sensitive, specific, and allows rapid EAEC quantification to be used in a variety of further EAEC studies. This new quantitative method provides a relatively simple means to quantify EAEC, which will likely be key to understanding the pathophysiology and impact of EAEC infection.     

A novel diagnostic monoclonal antibody specific for Helicobacter pylori CagA of East Asian type

Yasuda A, Uchida T, Nguyen LT, Kawazato H, Tanigawa M, Murakami K, Kishida T, Fujioka T, Moriyama M. A novel diagnostic monoclonal antibody specific for Helicobacter pylori CagA of East Asian type. APMIS 2009; 117: 893–9. Molecular biological and epidemiological studies have suggested that Helicobacter pylori producing East Asian CagA protein variant is more virulent than that producing Western CagA. In the present study, we developed and validated an enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) using a monoclonal antibody specifically recognizing East Asian CagA‐positive H. pylori. A total of 32 H. pylori strains were tested and the data were subjected to receiver‐operator characteristic (ROC) curve analysis. The accuracy of the test, determined by calculating the area under the curve, was 0.96, which indicated a high level of accuracy. At the ROC optimized cutoff, the sensitivity and specificity of our ELISA method were 88.0% and 100%, respectively. The validated ELISA showed good performance in terms of sensitivity and specificity. These results suggest that this test is suitable for the diagnostic detection of East Asian CagA carrying strains. We also analyzed the localization of the CagA protein in H. pylori‐infected gastric mucosa with fluorescence immunohistochemistry, and found that CagA protein expression was up‐regulated by adhesion to epithelial cells.     

First environmental sample containing plasmid‐mediated colistin‐resistant ESBL‐producing Escherichia coli detected in Norway

We hereby report the detection of the plasmid borne mcr‐1 gene conferring colistin resistance in an extended‐spectrum β‐lactamase (ESBL) producing Escherichia coli ST10 strain retrieved from seawater at a public beach in Norway. The sample was collected in September 2010 and was investigated by whole‐genome sequencing in 2016. This report illustrates that E. coli strains carrying plasmid‐mediated colistin resistance genes have also reached areas where this drug is hardly used at all. Surveillance of colistin resistance in environmental, veterinary, and human strains is warranted also in countries where colistin resistance is rare in clinical settings.     

Prediction and characterization of helper T‐cell epitopes from pneumococcal surface adhesin A

Pneumococcal surface adhesin A (PsaA) is a multifunctional lipoprotein known to bind nasopharyngeal epithelial cells, and is significantly involved in bacterial adherence and virulence. Identification of PsaA peptides that optimally bind human leucocyte antigen (HLA) and elicit a potent immune response would be of great importance to vaccine development. However, this is hindered by the multitude of HLA polymorphisms in humans. To identify the conserved immunodominant epitopes, we used an experimental dataset of 28 PsaA synthetic peptides and in silico methods to predict specific peptide‐binding to HLA and murine MHC class II molecules. We also characterized spleen and cervical lymph node (CLN) ‐derived T helper (Th) lymphocyte cytokine responses to these peptides after Streptococcus pneumoniae strain EF3030 challenge in mice. Individual, yet overlapping, peptides 15 amino acids in length revealed residues of PsaA that consistently caused the highest interferon‐γ, interleukin‐2 (IL‐2), IL‐5 and IL‐17 responses and proliferation as well as moderate IL‐10 and IL‐4 responses by ex vivo re‐stimulated splenic and CLN CD4⁺ T cells isolated from S. pneumoniae strain EF3030‐challenged F₁ (B6 ×  BALB/c) mice. In silico analysis revealed that peptides from PsaA may interact with a broad range of HLA‐DP, ‐DQ and ‐DR alleles, due in part to regions lacking β‐turns and asparagine endopeptidase sites. These data suggest that Th cell peptides (7, 19, 20, 22, 23 and 24) screened for secondary structures and MHC class II peptide‐binding affinities can elicit T helper cytokine and proliferative responses to PsaA peptides.     

The susceptibility of Campylobacter concisus to the bactericidal effects of normal human serum

Campylobacter concisus is an emerging pathogen of the gastrointestinal tract that has been associated with Barrett's oesophagus, enteritis and inflammatory bowel disease. Despite having invasive potential in intestinal epithelial cells in‐vitro, bacteraemic cases with C. concisus are extremely scarce, having only been reported once. Therefore, we conducted a serum resistance assay to investigate the bactericidal effects of human complement on C. concisus in comparison to some other Campylobacter species. In total, 22 Campylobacter strains were tested by incubation with normal human serum and subsequent cultivation in microaerobic conditions for 48 hours. Killing time was evaluated by decrease in total CFU over time for incubation with different serum concentrations. Faecal isolates of C. concisus showed inoculum reduction to less than 50% after 30 min. Campylobacter jejuni was sensitive to serum, but killing was delayed and a bacteraemic Campylobacter fetus subsp. fetus isolate was completely serum resistant. Interestingly, sensitivity of enteric C. concisus to human serum was not associated to different faecal‐calprotectin levels. We find that faecal isolates of C. concisus are sensitive to the bactericidal effects of serum, which may explain why C. concisus is not associated to bacteraemia.     

Analysis of iron acquisition and storage‐related genes in clinical and non‐clinical strains of Yersinia enterocolitica biovar 1A

Possession of mechanisms for iron acquisition and its storage enhances the ability of the bacteria to survive in the iron‐limiting environment of the host. In this study, 81 strains of Yersinia enterocolitica biovar 1A isolated from various clinical (n = 51) and non‐clinical (n = 30) sources were investigated for the presence of the genes related to iron acquisition and storage. Important genes which were present in more than 85% of the strains included hasA, foxA, bfr, bfd, ftnA, and hmsT as well as the fhuCDB, fepBDGCfesfepA, feoAB, yfuABCD, hemPRSTUV, and hmsHFRS gene clusters. Majority of these genes is being reported for the first time in biovar 1A strains and showed significant homology with genes present in the known pathogenic biovars of Y. enterocolitica. However, no significant difference was observed in the distribution of iron acquisition and storage‐related genes among clinical and non‐clinical biovar 1A strains. Thus, it may be suggested that the presence of iron acquisition and storage‐related genes per se might not be responsible for the supposedly better ability of clinical biovar 1A strains to cause infections in humans. However, in the backdrop of this data, the need to undertake functional studies are highly recommended.     

Antimicrobial resistance,prevalence of resistance genes,and molecular characterization in intestinal Bacteroides fragilis group isolates

Since the level of antimicrobial resistance in Bacteroides fragilis has increased, monitoring the antimicrobial susceptibility could be necessary. The objectives of this study were to (i) investigate the prevalence of species, the occurrence of reduced antimicrobial susceptibility (E‐test method), and antibiotic resistance genes in the B. fragilis group and (ii) evaluate the prevalence of enterotoxigenic B. fragilis and the distribution of bft gene subtypes in hospitalized patients. As many as 475 isolates out of 250 stool samples were detected to be B. fragilis group by using conventional biochemical tests (API‐32A system) and multiplex‐PCR. In addition, 48.2%, 13.9%, 76.6%, and 1.2% of B. fragilis group isolates were resistant (according to EUCAST breakpoint) to piperacillin‐tazobactam, meropenem, clindamycin, and metronidazole, respectively. Six metronidazole‐resistant strains were isolated; B. fragilis (n: 3), B. thetaiotaomicron, B. vulgates, and B. ovatus. The presence of the cfiA, cepA, ermF, and nim genes was observed in 3.8%, 15.9%, 34.1%, and 0.7% of the B. fragilis isolates, respectively. One hundred thirty‐two B. fragilis isolates (27.8%)and 21 B  fragilis isolates (15.9%) turned out to be bft gene positive by multiplex‐PCR; eleven isolates (52.4%) harbored bft‐1, eight isolates (38%) harbored bft‐2 isotypes, and two isolates (9.5%) harbored bft‐3 isotype (16.66%). These bacteria harbor antimicrobial resistance genes that could be transferred to other susceptible intestinal strains. Further investigations on lineage analysis are needed for a better understanding of these bacteria in Iran.     

Membrane‐active peptide PV3 efficiently eradicates multidrug‐resistant Pseudomonas aeruginosa in a mouse model of burn infection

The aim of this study was to evaluate the topical bactericidal activity of peptide PV3 against a MDR isolate of Pseudomonas aeruginosa in a mouse model of burn infection. The structural analysis of PV3 by circular dichroism spectroscopy indicated a low peptide helical content in water, whereas a high helical content was observed in the presence of the more hydrophobic 50% (v/v) trifluoroethanol/water buffer. A confocal microscopy analysis indicated that the main action of PV3 occurred at the membrane of bacteria. Peptide PV3 exhibited superior in vitro anti‐Pseudomonas activity and killing kinetics as compared with doripenem. A single dose of the topically applied peptide PV3 (4 × MBC, 120 min) was found to be sufficient to eradicate MDRP. aeruginosa in a bacterially infected mouse burn wound model, whereas doripenem (4 × MBC) failed to eradicate the initial inoculum. This indicates a potent and fast PV3‐associated bactericidal activity, contrary to doripenem. An in‐depth analysis of mouse skin by histopathology revealed that peptide PV3 (4 × MBC) did not induce any topical skin toxicity. Overall, the data strongly suggest that peptide PV3 might be a potent candidate antimicrobial agent active on antibiotic‐resistant isolates of pathogenic bacteria.     

Prevalence and distribution of Chlamydia trachomatis genovars in Indian infertile patients: a pilot study

To determine the prevalence and distribution of Chlamydia trachomatis genovars in patients with infertility by PCR‐RFLP and ompA gene sequencing. Prevalence of other etiological agents (viz., Ureaplasma spp. and Mycoplasma hominis) were also assessed. Endocervical swabs were collected from 477 women and urine was collected from 151 men attending the Infertility Clinic. The samples were screened for C. trachomatis by cryptic plasmid, ompA gene and nested ompA gene PCR. Genotyping was performed by PCR‐RFLP and sequencing. Samples were screened for Ureaplasma spp. and M. hominis. The prevalence of C. trachomatis in infertile women and their male partners were 15.7% (75 of 477) and 10.0% (15 of 151) respectively. Secondary infertility was significantly associated with chlamydial infection. Genovar E was the most prevalent followed by genovar D and F. Twenty‐four C. trachomatis strains were selected for ompA gene sequencing. No mixed infection was picked. Variability in ompA sequences was seen in 50.0%. Both PCR‐RFLP and ompA gene sequencing showed concordant results. High prevalence of C. trachomatis in infertile couples warrants routine screening for C. trachomatis infection in all infertile couples. Genotyping of the ompA gene of C. trachomatis may be a valuable tool in understanding the natural history of C. trachomatis infection.     

The spectrum of rare central nervous system (CNS) tumors with EWSR1‐non‐ETS fusions: experience from three pediatric institutions with review of the literature

The group of CNS mesenchymal (non‐meningothelial) and primary glial/neuronal tumors in association with EWSR1‐non‐ETS rearrangements comprises a growing spectrum of entities, mostly reported in isolation with incomplete molecular profiling. Archival files from three pediatric institutions were queried for unusual cases of pediatric (≤21 years) CNS EWSR1‐rearranged tumors confirmed by at least one molecular technique. Extra‐axial tumors and cases with a diagnosis of Ewing sarcoma (EWSR1‐ETS family fusions) were excluded. Additional studies, including anchored multiplex‐PCR with next‐generation sequencing and DNA methylation profiling, were performed as needed to determine fusion partner status and brain tumor methylation class, respectively. Five cases (median 17 years) were identified (M:F of 3:2). Location was parenchymal (n = 3) and undetermined (n = 2) with topographic distributions including posterior fossa (n = 1), frontal (n = 1), temporal (n = 1), parietal (n = 1) and occipital (n = 1) lobes. Final designation with fusion findings included desmoplastic small round cell tumor (EWSR1‐WT1; n = 1) and tumors of uncertain histogenesis (EWSR1‐CREM, n = 1; EWSR1‐CREB1, n = 1; EWSR1‐PLAGL1, n = 1; and EWSR1‐PATZ1, n = 1). Tumors showed a wide spectrum of morphology and biologic behavior. For EWSR1‐CREM, EWSR1‐PLAGL1 and EWSR1‐PATZ1 tumors, no significant methylation scores were reached in the known brain tumor classes. Available outcome (4/5) was reported as favorable (n = 2) and unfavorable (n = 2) with a median follow‐up of 30 months. In conclusion, we describe five primary EWSR1‐non‐ETS fused CNS tumors exhibiting morphologic and biologic heterogeneity and we highlight the clinical importance of determining specific fusion partners to improve diagnostic accuracy, treatment and monitoring. Larger prospective clinicopathological and molecular studies are needed to determine the prognostic implications of histotypes, anatomical location, fusion partners, breakpoints and methylation profiles in patients with these rare tumors.     

Biofilm formation of ica operon‐positive Staphylococcus epidermidis from different sources

Information on the prevalence of biofilm‐related factors (PIA, Bhp, Aap, Embp) in Staphylococcus epidermidis of animal origin is scarce. In this study, 263 S. epidermidis isolates of diverse origin (animal, farmers, patients, and laboratory staff) were investigated for the presence of the ica operon (icaRADBC). The icaRADBC‐positive isolates were further characterized by means of biofilm formation, presence of other biofilm‐related genes, antimicrobial resistance, and population structure. Of all isolates, 28.5% (n = 75) were icaRADBC‐positive, including 16.5% of animal origin, 29.1% farmer isolates, and 44.6% hospital‐associated isolates (including patients and laboratory staff isolates). Most icaRADBC‐positive isolates carried embp (n = 73), aap (n = 57), bhp (n = 22), and IS256 (n = 29). Statistical differences were found between animal and patient isolates for the presence of icaRADBC, bhp, and aap. No statistically significant relation was found between the presence of one or more genes and the level of biofilm formation. Most icaRADBC‐positive isolates belonged to the clonal complex 5 (formerly 2) and most sequence types corresponded to types previously observed in community and nosocomial S. epidermidis populations. Although the prevalence of S. epidermidis in the nasal cavity of bovines and poultry is low, some isolates belong to STs related to ica‐positive clinical strains.