Protein-mediated adhesion of Staphylococcus aureus to silicone implant polymer

Investigation was made of the role of protein A and clumping factor in the adhesion of Staphylococcus aureus to the silicone polymer used for manufacture of cerebrospinal fluid shunting systems. The two proteins were judged to contribute non-specifically to adhesion. S. aureus was also shown to be capable of hydrophobic binding, but this was found to be distinct from the demonstrated protein-mediated adhesion.