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Induction of antibodies by Staphylococcus aureus nasal colonization in young children

N J Verkaik1, A Lebon, C P de Vogel

  • 1Department of Medical Microbiology and Infectious Diseases, Erasmus MC, Rotterdam, The Netherlands. n.j.verkaik@erasmusmc.nl

Clinical Microbiology and Infection : the Official Publication of the European Society of Clinical Microbiology and Infectious Diseases
|October 17, 2009
PubMed

Insights

Understanding Staphylococcus aureus nasal colonization in children is key for new treatments. Higher antibody levels against specific S. aureus proteins like CHIPS, Efb, IsdA, and IsdH were found in colonized children.

Area of Science:

  • Immunology
  • Microbiology
  • Pediatrics

Background:

  • Developing new antistaphylococcal strategies requires understanding Staphylococcus aureus carriage and human immune responses.
  • The primary humoral immune response to S. aureus and its link to nasal colonization in young children were investigated.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To analyze the association between S. aureus-specific antibody levels (IgG, IgA, IgM) and nasal colonization in children.
  • To identify specific staphylococcal proteins involved in the immune response during colonization.

Main Methods:

  • Sera from 57 children (colonized and non-colonized) were collected serially from birth to 24 months.
  • Flow cytometry-based technology was used to measure antibody binding to 19 staphylococcal proteins.

Main Results:

  • Antibody responses varied significantly between individuals.
  • Antistaphylococcal IgA and IgM levels increased, while IgG levels decreased with age.
  • Colonized children showed higher IgG and IgA levels against specific proteins, including chemotaxis inhibitory protein of S. aureus (CHIPS), extracellular fibrinogen-binding protein (Efb), iron-responsive surface determinant H (IsdH), and IsdA.

Conclusions:

  • Placentally transferred maternal IgG did not prevent S. aureus colonization.
  • CHIPS, Efb, IsdA, and IsdH appear to play a role in S. aureus nasal colonization in young children.
  • These findings contribute to developing novel antistaphylococcal strategies.

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