Journal
CLINICAL MICROBIOLOGY REVIEWS
Volume 17, Issue 1, Pages 218-+Publisher
AMER SOC MICROBIOLOGY
DOI: 10.1128/CMR.17.1.218-234.2004
Keywords
-
Categories
Funding
- NIAID NIH HHS [R21 AI029040, R01 AI029040, AI-23244, AI-29040] Funding Source: Medline
- NATIONAL INSTITUTE OF ALLERGY AND INFECTIOUS DISEASES [R21AI029040, R23AI023244, R01AI029040, R01AI023244] Funding Source: NIH RePORTER
Ask authors/readers for more resources
Serotype 5 and 8 capsular polysaccharides predominate among clinical isolates Of Staphylococcus aureus. The results of experiments in animal models of infection have revealed that staphylococcal capsules are important in the pathogenesis of S. aureus infections. The capsule enhances staphylococcal virulence by impeding phagocytosis, resulting in bacterial persistence in the bloodstream of infected hosts. S. aureus capsules also promote abscess formation in rats. Although the capsule has been shown to modulate S. aureus adherence to endothelial surfaces in vitro, animal studies suggest that it also promotes bacterial colonization and persistence on mucosal surfaces. S. aureus capsular antigens are surface associated, limited in antigenic specificity, and highly conserved among clinical isolates. With the emergence of vancomycin-resistant S. aureus in the United States in 2002, new strategies are needed to combat staphylococcal infections. Purified serotype 5 and 8 capsular polysaccharides offer promise as target antigens for a vaccine to prevent staphylococcal infections, although the inclusion of other antigens is likely to be essential in the development of an effective S. aureus vaccine. The genetics and mechanisms of capsule biosynthesis are complex, and much work remains to enhance our understanding of capsule biosynthesis and its regulation.
Authors
I am an author on this paper
Click your name to claim this paper and add it to your profile.
Reviews
Recommended
No Data Available