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Adherence of Staphylococcus aureus to cell monolayers.
J E Wyatt1, S M Poston, W C Noble
1Department of Microbiology, United Medical School of Guy Hospital, London, UK.
The Journal of Applied Bacteriology
|December 1, 1990
Summary
This study developed a reliable assay to measure Staphylococcus aureus adherence to eukaryotic cells. Lipoteichoic acid was found to inhibit adherence, offering insights into bacterial adhesion mechanisms.
Area of Science:
- Microbiology
- Cell Biology
- Biochemistry
Background:
- Staphylococcus aureus adherence to host cells is crucial for infection.
- Understanding bacterial adhesion mechanisms is key to developing anti-adhesion strategies.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop and validate a robust assay for quantifying Staphylococcus aureus adherence to eukaryotic cell monolayers.
- To identify factors influencing bacterial adherence and to differentiate between high and low adhering strains.
Main Methods:
- Utilized [3H]-thymidine labeled Staphylococcus aureus strains.
- Assayed adherence to various eukaryotic cell monolayers (primary and continuous cell lines).
- Analyzed results using non-parametric statistical tests and monitored potential adhesion mediators.
Main Results:
- Adherence varied significantly between bacterial strains and eukaryotic cell types.
- HEp2 cell monolayers offered a reliable substrate for continuous cell line assays.
- Lipoteichoic acid significantly inhibited adherence of a highly adherent strain (RN92).
Conclusions:
- The developed assay is a valuable model for studying Staphylococcus aureus adherence.
- Lipoteichoic acid is a potential inhibitor of bacterial adhesion to eukaryotic cells.
- The assay can differentiate bacterial strains based on adherence levels and identify influencing factors.