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Staphylococcus aureus Growth using Human Hemoglobin as an Iron Source
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Published on: February 7, 2013

Hemoglobin promotes Staphylococcus aureus nasal colonization.

Melissa Pynnonen1, Rachel E Stephenson, Kelly Schwartz

  • 1Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, United States of America.

Plos Pathogens
|July 14, 2011
PubMed
Summary
This summary is machine-generated.

Hemoglobin in nasal secretions promotes Staphylococcus aureus colonization, a risk factor for infections. This protein influences bacterial behavior and reduces the necessary bacterial load for colonization.

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Published on: September 8, 2021

Area of Science:

  • Microbiology
  • Host-Pathogen Interactions
  • Molecular Biology

Background:

  • Staphylococcus aureus nasal colonization is a significant risk factor for both community-acquired and nosocomial infections.
  • The molecular mechanisms and host factors governing S. aureus nasal colonization remain incompletely understood.
  • Identifying host factors is crucial for developing strategies to prevent S. aureus colonization and subsequent infections.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To identify host factors present in human nasal secretions that influence Staphylococcus aureus surface colonization.
  • To elucidate the role of specific protein components, particularly hemoglobin, in promoting S. aureus nasal colonization.
  • To investigate the impact of hemoglobin on S. aureus virulence factors, such as the agr quorum sensing system.

Main Methods:

  • Collection and analysis of human nasal secretions for their ability to promote S. aureus colonization.
  • Protease treatment of secretions to assess the role of protein factors.
  • Identification of major protein components and specific analysis of hemoglobin's effect.
  • Immunoprecipitation of hemoglobin from secretions and assessment of S. aureus colonization.
  • In vivo studies using a rodent model to evaluate the effect of exogenous hemoglobin on nasal colonization.
  • Analysis of hemoglobin's impact on the expression of the agr quorum sensing system and its effector molecule, RNAIII.

Main Results:

  • Human nasal secretions varied in their ability to promote S. aureus surface colonization.
  • Protease treatment abolished the promoting effect, indicating the involvement of protein factors.
  • Hemoglobin was identified as a key protein component that promotes S. aureus nasal colonization.
  • Removal of hemoglobin from secretions reduced S. aureus colonization, while exogenous addition decreased the required inoculum in a rodent model.
  • Hemoglobin was found to inhibit the expression of the agr quorum sensing system.

Conclusions:

  • Hemoglobin present in nasal secretions plays a significant role in promoting Staphylococcus aureus nasal colonization.
  • The mechanism involves interference with the agr quorum sensing system, as aberrant expression of RNAIII led to reduced colonization.
  • These findings highlight hemoglobin as a critical host factor influencing S. aureus nasal carriage and suggest potential therapeutic targets.