Distribution of SCCmec-associated phenol-soluble modulin in staphylococci

Area of Science:

• Microbiology
• Bacterial Pathogenesis
• Molecular Biology

Background:

• Phenol-soluble modulins (PSMs) are amphipathic alpha-helical peptides produced by staphylococci.
• PSM-mec is a specific PSM subtype recently identified and implicated in virulence.
• Understanding the distribution of PSM-mec is crucial for assessing its role in staphylococcal infections.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the prevalence and distribution of PSM-mec in various Staphylococcus species.
• To determine the association of PSM-mec presence with specific staphylococcal cassette chromosome mec (SCCmec) types.
• To explore the host range of Staphylococcus isolates carrying PSM-mec.

Main Methods:

• Detection of PSM-mec using molecular or biochemical assays.
• Species identification of Staphylococcus isolates.
• Typing of SCCmec elements in the isolates.
• Analysis of host origins for the sampled bacteria.

Main Results:

• PSM-mec was detected in multiple Staphylococcus species including *Staphylococcus aureus*, *Staphylococcus epidermidis*, and others.
• The peptide was identified in isolates from diverse hosts such as humans, dogs, cats, and cattle.
• PSM-mec presence was associated with specific SCCmec types, including types II, IIA, IIB, IID, III, and VIII, as well as some variant elements.

Conclusions:

• PSM-mec is not restricted to *Staphylococcus aureus* but is found across a broader range of staphylococcal species.
• The distribution of PSM-mec is linked to specific SCCmec genetic elements.
• This finding broadens the understanding of PSM-mec's role in staphylococcal epidemiology and potential pathogenicity across different hosts.