Antibodies to staphylococcal DNases in sera from different animal species, including humans.

This study explores the presence of antibodies to DNases produced by Staphylococcus bacteria in the sera from different animal species and humans. It suggests that the serological results reflect the actual antigenic exposure to and distribution of the bacteria in both animals and humans.

Method and Antibody Detection

• The researchers used an agar diffusion method in microtiter plates to detect the antibodies to the DNases – enzymes that break down nucleic acids – produced by three types of Staphylococcus bacteria: S. aureus, S. intermedius, and S. hyicus.
• A common trend observed was that antibodies to DNase from S. aureus were found in most of the sera from the species under study. The exception was that of dogs, with only 11% having positive results.

Widespread Presence of Antibodies in Various Species

• The researchers found antibodies to S. intermedius DNase in a large percentage of sera from different species, including 84% of dogs, 61% of Icelandic ponies, 41% of pigs, 21% of humans, and 20% of cows. However, these antibodies were rarely found in goats and sheep, with only 2% and 4% respectively.
• Similar to the trend above, antibodies to DNase from S. hyicus were not found in sera from humans, dogs, goats, or sheep. On the other hand, a majority of sera from pigs and cows (84%) and a minor percentage from Icelandic ponies (29%) tested positive.

Accuracy and Relevance of Findings

• The results of this serological study are assumed accurate due to their good accordance with findings from bacteriological investigations done elsewhere.
• These findings may have implications regarding the exposure and distribution of the Staphylococcus bacteria in different species. This includes the study’s delineation of how dogs, despite being commonly exposed to S. aureus, seem to lack proper immune response to it, which may affect their susceptibility to Staphylococcal infection.