Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 8, 2026

Novel Diagnostics in Revision Arthroplasty: Implant Sonication and Multiplex Polymerase Chain Reaction
Published on: December 3, 2017
[Comparative serologic proteome analysis of Staphylococcus aureus and S. epidermidis exoproteins in prosthetic joint
1InGen Biosciences SA, 17, avenue du Parc, 91380 Chilly-Mazarin, France. hnuyttens@ingenbiosciences.com
Aim Of The Study:
Staphylococci such as Staphylococcus aureus and S. epidermidis are the most frequently pathogens associated to prosthesis joint infections (PJI), counting for 75% among the isolated bacteria. In this study, we identified PJI-related antigens using two-dimensional immunoblots of S. aureus and S. epidermidis exoproteins probed with serum samples from patients with confirmed PJIs. We further analysed by ELISA tests the response of patients to the identified proteins.
Patients And Methods:
Secreted proteins from Mu50 strain (S. aureus) and RP62A strain (S. epidermidis) were separated by 2D gel electrophoresis and analyzed by western blot with serum samples from patients with confirmed S. aureus and S. epidermidis PJIs. Recombinant proteins corresponding to the identified proteins were expressed and screened with an in-house ELISA to evaluate their interest for the diagnosis of S. aureus and S. epidermidis PJIs.
Results:
Fifty-two antigenic exoproteins were identified: 42 belonging to Mu50 strain, and 10 to RP62A strain. Twenty-two proteins were identified as S. aureus specific. Among these proteins, five were most frequently recognized by patients with S. aureus PJI.
Conclusion:
Our results showed that few exoproteins were antigenic by RP62A strain compared to Mu50 strain. We identified five antigenic and S. aureus specific proteins, which may contribute to diagnosis, prevention and treatment of these infections.
Insights
Researchers identified five specific Staphylococcus aureus antigens from exoproteins, which could aid in diagnosing and treating prosthesis joint infections (PJIs). These findings offer new targets for combating staphylococcal PJIs.
Area of Science:
- Microbiology
- Immunology
- Infectious Diseases
Background:
- Staphylococci, particularly Staphylococcus aureus and S. epidermidis, are primary causes of prosthesis joint infections (PJIs), accounting for 75% of bacterial isolates.
- Accurate diagnosis and effective treatment of PJIs remain critical challenges in orthopedic surgery.
Purpose of the Study:
- To identify specific antigens from Staphylococcus aureus and S. epidermidis exoproteins that are recognized by patient sera from confirmed PJIs.
- To evaluate the diagnostic potential of identified antigens for Staphylococcus aureus and S. epidermidis PJIs.
Main Methods:
- Secreted proteins from S. aureus (Mu50) and S. epidermidis (RP62A) were separated using 2D gel electrophoresis.
- Western blot analysis with patient serum samples identified antigenic exoproteins.
- Recombinant proteins were expressed and screened using ELISA for diagnostic potential.
Main Results:
- Fifty-two antigenic exoproteins were identified in total (42 from S. aureus, 10 from S. epidermidis).
- Twenty-two proteins were specific to S. aureus.
- Five S. aureus-specific antigenic proteins were most frequently recognized by patients with S. aureus PJI.
Conclusions:
- The study identified a limited number of highly antigenic exoproteins from S. epidermidis compared to S. aureus.
- Five specific S. aureus antigenic proteins were identified, showing potential for PJI diagnosis, prevention, and treatment strategies.
Related Concept Videos
Staphylococcal Skin Infections
Clinical Significance of Antibiotic Resistance