Figure 1

Hierarchical cluster analysis of FTIR spectral data and phenotypic changes. FTIR spectroscopy was used to follow S. aureus capsular expression of 21 clinical mastitis isolates during the course of a chronic, subclinical bovine mastitis and revealed a transition from encapsulation to non-encapsulation accompanied with changes in distinct phenotypic features. IN, initial isolate; HA, host-adapted isolate.