Publications by authors named "Teresa D Loftus"
Bacterial Adaptation to Venom in Snakes and Arachnida.
Elham Esmaeilishirazifard
,
Louise Usher
,
Carol Trim
,
Hubert Denise
,
Vartul Sangal
,
Teresa D Loftus
Microbiol Spectr
June 2022
Article Synopsis
- Animal venoms are found to contain viable microorganisms, challenging the previous belief that they are sterile, and pose infection risks following bites from certain snake and spider species.
- Novel strains of Enterococcus faecalis with multiple virulence genes were identified in the venoms and may contribute to infection in envenomation victims.
- The study highlights the need for improved infection risk management in treating bite wounds, especially for vulnerable populations in developing countries.