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Investigation of a Staphylococcus argenteus Strain Involved in a Chronic Prosthetic-Joint Infection
Alan Diot1, Virginie Dyon-Tafani1, Marine Bergot1
1CIRI-Centre International de Recherche en Infectiologie, Inserm, U1111, Université Claude Bernard Lyon 1, CNRS, UMR5308, École Normale Supérieure de Lyon, Université Lyon, 69007 Lyon, France.
Abstract:
Staphylococcus argenteus is an emerging species responsible for infections comparable to those induced by Staphylococcus aureus. It has been involved in few chronic or persistent infections so far. In this study, we described a case of a persistent prosthetic-joint infection (PJI) affecting a young woman. We investigated in vitro the virulence traits of the incriminated S. argenteus strain (bone cell invasion, biofilm formation and induction of inflammation) and analyzed its genome, in comparison with two other strains of S. argenteus and two S. aureus isolates. It appeared that this S. argenteus PJI strain combined biofilm formation, osteoblast invasion and intracellular persistence abilities together with genes potentially involved in the escape of the host immune defenses, which might explain the chronicization of the infection.
Insights
This study details a persistent prosthetic-joint infection caused by Staphylococcus argenteus. The strain exhibited virulence factors like biofilm formation and bone cell invasion, potentially explaining chronic infections.
Area of Science:
- Infectious Diseases
- Microbiology
- Genomics
Background:
- Staphylococcus argenteus is an emerging pathogen causing infections similar to Staphylococcus aureus.
- Chronic or persistent infections attributed to S. argenteus are rarely reported.
- Prosthetic-joint infections (PJIs) can lead to persistent and difficult-to-treat conditions.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the virulence characteristics of a Staphylococcus argenteus strain causing a persistent prosthetic-joint infection.
- To analyze the genome of the S. argenteus PJI isolate and compare it with other S. argenteus and Staphylococcus aureus strains.
- To identify potential mechanisms contributing to the chronicization of S. argenteus infections.
Main Methods:
- In vitro investigation of virulence traits including bone cell invasion, biofilm formation, and inflammation induction.
- Whole-genome sequencing and comparative genomic analysis of the S. argenteus PJI strain.
- Clinical case description of a young woman with a persistent prosthetic-joint infection.
Main Results:
- The S. argenteus PJI strain demonstrated significant biofilm formation capabilities.
- The isolate exhibited osteoblast invasion and intracellular persistence.
- Genomic analysis revealed genes potentially involved in immune evasion, alongside observed virulence traits.
Conclusions:
- The S. argenteus PJI strain possesses a combination of virulence factors that may explain its ability to cause persistent infections.
- Biofilm formation, bone cell invasion, and immune evasion mechanisms are implicated in the chronicization of this prosthetic-joint infection.
- Further research into S. argenteus virulence is warranted to understand and manage these emerging infections.
