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Mucin production by Staphylococcus epidermidis. A virulence factor promoting adherence to vascular grafts
Abstract:
The production of an exopolysaccharide (mucin) by some Staphylococcus epidermidis strains facilitates bacterial adhesion to prosthetic vascular grafts and may play an important role in adherence-mediated growth. An in vitro model was developed to measure the differential adherence of mucin-producing (RP-12) and nonmucin-producing (SP-2) S epidermidis strains onto expanded polytef and velour knitted Dacron graft material. After incubation in a 10(7)/mL suspension of organisms, graft specimens were repeatedly washed to remove nonadherent organisms and then sonicated to dislodge adherent organisms. Bacterial adherence was calculated from a quantitative culture of the sonication effluent. Both S epidermidis strains adhered in ten to 100 times greater numbers to the knitted Dacron graft material than to expanded polytef. The production of an exopolysaccharide by the RP-12 strain significantly increased adherence to both graft types compared with the SP-2 strain. The increased adherence of the RP-12 strain was inhibited by adding D-mannosamine to the inoculum. The in vitro model developed is well suited for further study of the mechanisms by which bacteria adhere to and colonize vascular grafts.
Insights
Staphylococcus epidermidis mucin production significantly increases bacterial adhesion to vascular grafts. This study developed an in vitro model to assess bacterial adherence to prosthetic graft materials.
Area of Science:
- Biomedical Engineering
- Microbiology
- Materials Science
Background:
- Staphylococcus epidermidis (S. epidermidis) produces exopolysaccharides like mucin.
- Bacterial adhesion to prosthetic vascular grafts is a critical factor in graft colonization and infection.
- Understanding bacterial adherence mechanisms is vital for improving vascular graft outcomes.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop and utilize an in vitro model to quantify the adherence of mucin-producing and non-mucin-producing S. epidermidis strains to vascular graft materials.
- To investigate the role of exopolysaccharide (mucin) production in S. epidermidis adherence to expanded polytetrafluoroethylene (ePTFE) and Dacron grafts.
- To compare the adherence of S. epidermidis strains to different vascular graft materials.
Main Methods:
- An in vitro model was established using mucin-producing (RP-12) and non-mucin-producing (SP-2) S. epidermidis strains.
- Graft specimens (ePTFE and Dacron) were incubated with bacterial suspensions.
- Non-adherent bacteria were removed through washing, and adherent bacteria were quantified via sonication and culture.
Main Results:
- Both S. epidermidis strains showed significantly higher adherence (10-100 times greater) to knitted Dacron grafts compared to ePTFE grafts.
- The mucin-producing RP-12 strain exhibited significantly increased adherence to both graft types compared to the non-mucin-producing SP-2 strain.
- The enhanced adherence of the RP-12 strain was notably reduced by the addition of D-mannosamine.
Conclusions:
- Exopolysaccharide (mucin) production by S. epidermidis substantially enhances bacterial adherence to vascular graft materials.
- The developed in vitro model effectively differentiates bacterial adherence to various graft types and is suitable for further mechanistic studies.
- These findings highlight the importance of bacterial surface components in graft colonization and suggest potential targets for preventing graft infections.