[1st isolation of strains of Staphylococcus aureus producing toxic shock syndrome toxin 1 in food handlers in Argentina].

Thirty nine milk handlers from a factory of dairy products in the Province of Buenos Aires were examined for their nasal carriage of S. aureus strains capable of producing toxic-shock-syndrome toxin-1 (TSST-1). In addition, chance samples of handled foods, crude milk and milky fermented derivates (MFD) were studied. Strain isolation was made on Mannitol Salt Agar and on Baird-Parker Agar. Typical colonies were identified by their biochemical properties. Cultures that were found to be S. aureus were selected for analysis of the TSST-1 production. Eight milk handlers (20.5%) were carriers of S. aureus strains. Seven isolates (87.5%) were classified as biotype A (human ecovar) and 1(12.5%) was classified as biotype B (swine and poultry ecovar). Three out of 8 S. aureus biotype A isolates (37.5%), produced TSST-1. Taking into account the number of milk food handlers sampled (39), the carried rate of toxigenic strains was 7.6%. Three S. aureus strains were isolated from crude milk; 1(33.3%) was classified as biotype B and 2(66.6%) as biotype C (cattle and sheep ecovar). Thirteen S. aureus strains were isolated from MDF; 5(38.0%) were classified as biotype A, 1(7.7%) as belonging to biotype B and 7(53.8%) as belonging to biotype C. None of them had the ability to produce TSST-1.