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A play in four acts: Staphylococcus aureus abscess formation

Alice G Cheng1, Andrea C DeDent, Olaf Schneewind

  • 1Department of Microbiology, University of Chicago, Chicago, Illinois 60637, USA.

Trends in Microbiology
|March 1, 2011
PubMed

Insights

Staphylococcus aureus actively forms abscesses using specific virulence factors, not just as a healing response. Targeting these factors, like Protein A, can prevent staphylococcal abscesses.

Area of Science:

  • Microbiology
  • Immunology
  • Pathogenesis

Background:

  • Staphylococcus aureus is a significant human pathogen causing skin and soft tissue abscesses.
  • Abscess formation is traditionally viewed as a feature of healing and tissue repair.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To challenge the traditional view of abscess formation.
  • To investigate Staphylococcus aureus's specific virulence factors in promoting distinct abscess lesions.
  • To identify key stages and genetic requirements for abscess development.

Main Methods:

  • Investigated the role of live Staphylococcus aureus in abscess formation.
  • Identified specific genes and virulence factors essential for abscess development.
  • Evaluated humoral immune responses against key virulence factors in animal models.

Main Results:

  • Staphylococcus aureus actively promotes abscess formation through distinct virulence factors.
  • Abscess development requires genes acting at four discrete stages.
  • Protein A and coagulases are identified as key virulence attributes.
  • Immune responses targeting these factors protected against abscesses in animal models.

Conclusions:

  • Staphylococcus aureus actively manipulates host responses to create unique abscesses.
  • Specific virulence factors, including Protein A and coagulases, are crucial for abscess development.
  • Targeting these virulence factors offers a potential strategy for preventing staphylococcal infections.

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