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Correlation between resistance mechanisms in Staphylococcus aureus and cell wall and septum thickening

Ana Belén García1, José Manuel Viñuela-Prieto1, Laura López-González1

  • 1Department of Clinical Microbiology, Hospital Clínico San Carlos, Complutense University, Madrid, Spain.

Infection and Drug Resistance
|November 2, 2017
PubMed
Abstract

Insights

Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) and methicillin- and linezolid-resistant S. aureus (MLRSA) exhibit thicker cell walls and septa compared to methicillin-sensitive S. aureus (MSSA). Linezolid resistance did not significantly alter these morphological changes.

Area of Science:

  • Microbiology
  • Cell Biology
  • Infectious Diseases

Background:

  • Staphylococcus aureus is a common pathogen.
  • Antibiotic resistance in S. aureus, including MRSA and MLRSA, is a growing public health concern.
  • Understanding the morphological changes associated with antibiotic resistance is crucial for developing new treatment strategies.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate cell wall and septum thickening in methicillin-sensitive S. aureus (MSSA), methicillin-resistant S. aureus (MRSA), and methicillin- and linezolid-resistant S. aureus (MLRSA).
  • To correlate antibiotic resistance mechanisms with significant alterations in bacterial cell morphology, specifically membrane and septum thickness.

Main Methods:

  • Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) was employed to visualize and measure cell wall and septum thickness.
  • Clinical isolates from a 2010 hospital outbreak were used.
  • Statistical analysis, including Kruskal-Wallis test and Dunn-Bonferroni post hoc test, was performed for comparisons.

Main Results:

  • Statistically significant differences in cell wall and septum thickness were observed between the three groups of S. aureus isolates (P<0.001).
  • Both MRSA and MLRSA strains showed significantly greater cell wall and septum thickness compared to MSSA strains (P<0.001).
  • No significant differences in wall or septum thickness were found between MRSA and MLRSA strains (P=0.386 and P=0.117, respectively).

Conclusions:

  • Increased cell wall and septum thickness are associated with methicillin resistance in S. aureus.
  • The addition of linezolid resistance does not appear to induce further significant morphological changes in the cell wall or septum beyond those seen in MRSA.
  • These findings highlight the morphological adaptations of S. aureus in response to antibiotic pressure.
Keywords:
TEMVISAlinezolid-resistant S. aureusprotein synthesis inhibitor antibioticsvancomycin intermediate S. aureus

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