Related Experiment Video
Updated: Dec 5, 2025

Development and Assessment of Intracellular Infection Models for Staphylococcus aureus
Published on: January 17, 2025
Phage-Mediated Immune Evasion and Transmission of Livestock-Associated Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus in
Abstract:
Livestock-associated methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (LA-MRSA) can acquire phage-encoded immune modulators, such as the immune evasion cluster (IEC), which protects bacteria from components of the human innate immune system, and the enzyme TarP, which protects against antibody-mediated immune recognition. We used whole-genome sequencing and epidemiologic investigations to study the effects of IEC- and tarP-harboring phages on household transmission of LA-MRSA in North Denmark Region during 2004-2011. We reviewed information about all patients throughout Denmark who experienced LA-MRSA infection during 2007-2018 to determine whether IEC is associated with increased spread into the general population. Horizontal acquisition of IEC in the human host was associated with increased household transmission of LA-MRSA and spillover into the community and healthcare settings, whereas we found no evidence to suggest that IEC-positive LA-MRSA isolates have become self-sustainable in the general population. By contrast, TarP did not seem to influence household transmission of LA-MRSA.
Related Concept Videos
Defense Against Bacterial Pathogens
Phagocytes
Phagocytes are the frontline soldiers of the immune system. They include neutrophils and macrophages. Neutrophils are the most abundant type of white blood cell and are quickly mobilized to the site of infection. Macrophages are larger cells that patrol...
Lysogenic Cycle of Bacteriophages
Viral Replication: Lysogenic Cycle
Lytic Cycle of Bacteriophages
Development of Antibiotic Resistance
Gene Regulation in Microbial Communities: Quorum Sensing

