Rostov State Medical University, Center of State Sanitary and Epidemiological Surveillance in Rostov region, Rostov-on-Don, Russia
Main pathogenic characteristics (toxin production, tox-gene detection, adhesiveness) of 59 strains of C.diphtheriae circulating in Rostov-on-Don city and Rostov region in 2004 — 2005 were studied. Study of toxigenicity of 15 tox+ C.diphtheriae strains showed full coincidence of Elek immunoprecipitation test and polymerase chain reaction (PCR). Presence of part of A-fragment of tox-gene was detected in 5 (11,4%) of 44 C.diphtheriae strains that were negative in Elek test. Hemagglutinating activity of toxin producing strains was intermediate (40%) or high (60%). Among non-toxigenic strains those with intermediate adhesiveness were predominated (45,5%), the intermediate or high adhesiveness was detected in strains positive in PCR. Obtained characteristics of C.diphtheriae can be useful for surveillance for diphtheria infection during interepidemic period.
Zh. Mikrobiol. (Moscow), 2006, No. 6, P. 6—9