Stool consistency was evaluated by using previously described scoring method33,34 with slight modifications (Supplementary Fig. 11a).
For construction of defined double mutants, V. cholerae strains carrying a deletion mutation was further transformed with genomic DNA fragments of appropriate strains (carrying TnFGL3 inserthe2 in the presence of chitin by using previously described methods26,36.
VSE was isolated by using previously described protocols [Sanjuan, E., Amaro, C., 2004. Protocol for specific isolation of virulent strains of V. vulnificus serovar E (biotype 2) from environmental samples. Appl. Environ. Microbiol. 70, 7024 7032.] and identified by a new specific PCR methodology [Lee C.-T., Amaro, C., Sanjuan, E., Hor, L-I., 2005.
Cell wall was purified by using previously described Methods [ 23].
The isolation was achieved by using previously described procedures (7 ).
PFGE was performed by using previously described methods (16 ).
The test was performed by using previously described methods and equipment (43).
PFGE was performed on all meningococcal isolates by using previously described methods (19 ).
Hind paws were prepared and analyzed by using previously described histopathologic techniques [ 32- 35].
Bacterial isolation, PCR amplification, and cloning were performed by using previously described methods (5 – 7 ).
OA was diagnosed based on clinical and radiographic findings by using previously described criteria [ 6].
