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Enterococcus faecalis localization in experimental endophthalmitis: role of plasmid-encoded aggregation substance
B D Jett1, R V Atkuri, M S Gilmore
1Department of Ophthalmology, Dean A. McGee Eye Institute, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City 73104, USA. brad-jett@ouhsc.edu
Infection and Immunity
|February 7, 1998
Summary
Enterococci cause hospital infections, but their disease mechanisms remain unclear. This study found that while Enterococcus faecalis adheres to tissues in an eye infection model, the aggregation substance does not influence this attachment or disease severity.
Area of Science:
- Microbiology
- Infectious Diseases
- Ophthalmology
Background:
- Enterococci are significant causes of hospital-acquired infections.
- The pathogenesis of enterococcal infections is not well understood.
- An established Enterococcus faecalis endophthalmitis model allows for studying disease evolution.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate traits enabling Enterococcus faecalis attachment to mammalian tissues during infection.
- To determine if aggregation substance, a plasmid-encoded adhesin, mediates enterococcal localization or adherence.
Main Methods:
- Utilized an established Enterococcus faecalis endophthalmitis infection model in animal subjects.
- Observed direct tissue attachment and monitored disease progression.
- Assessed the role of aggregation substance in adherence and disease severity.
Main Results:
- Enterococci demonstrated attachment to membranous structures within the vitreous humor.
- The presence or absence of aggregation substance did not affect tissue attachment.
- Aggregation substance phenotype did not influence the course or severity of the endophthalmitis.
Conclusions:
- Enterococcus faecalis possesses intrinsic traits for tissue attachment in the eye.
- Aggregation substance does not play a role in Enterococcus faecalis adherence or disease severity in this model.
- Further research is needed to identify other factors contributing to enterococcal pathogenesis.