Related Experiment Videos
Sphingomyelinase activity of Staphylococcus aureus strains from recurrent furunculosis and other infections
Abstract:
The sphingomyelinase (beta-hemolysin) production by 180 Staphylococcus aureus strains was determined in a qualitative enzyme impression test (EIT) and all but 4 strains in a quantitative enzyme assay test (EAT) using 14C-sphingomyelin as test substrates. A total of 59 strains (33%) were positive for enzyme production in the EIT. The highest frequency was found in strains isolated from recurrent furunculosis (45%) as compared with strains from chronic osteomyelitis, tropical pyomyositis and healthy nasal carriers (18, 8 and 19%, respectively). High producers of sphingomyelinase in EAT were mostly found among furunculosis strains, phage type 55 and/or 71. The furunculosis strains lysed by phages 3A and/or 3C mostly had a low sphingomyelinase production. In 3 families, high- and low- producing strains of the same phage group were isolated from 2 different members of the same family. The high-producing strains caused more intense skin lesions.
Insights
Staphylococcus aureus strains producing sphingomyelinase (beta-hemolysin) were studied. High enzyme production correlated with recurrent furunculosis and more severe skin lesions, suggesting a role in disease severity.
Area of Science:
- Microbiology
- Enzymology
- Dermatology
Background:
- Staphylococcus aureus is a common pathogen.
- Sphingomyelinase (beta-hemolysin) is a virulence factor.
- Its role in skin infections requires further investigation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To quantify sphingomyelinase production in Staphylococcus aureus strains.
- To correlate enzyme production with clinical isolates and phage types.
- To investigate the relationship between sphingomyelinase and skin lesion severity.
Main Methods:
- Enzyme impression test (EIT) for qualitative assessment.
- Enzyme assay test (EAT) using 14C-sphingomyelin for quantitative assessment.
- Analysis of 180 Staphylococcus aureus strains from various clinical sources and healthy carriers.
Main Results:
- 33% of strains were positive for enzyme production in EIT.
- Highest frequency of enzyme production observed in strains from recurrent furunculosis (45%).
- High sphingomyelinase producers were associated with furunculosis strains, phage types 55/71, and caused more intense skin lesions.
Conclusions:
- Sphingomyelinase production varies among Staphylococcus aureus strains.
- High sphingomyelinase production is linked to recurrent furunculosis and increased lesion severity.
- This enzyme may be a significant factor in Staphylococcus aureus-related skin pathology.