Alpha-Toxin Is Required for Biofilm Formation by Staphylococcus aureus
NC Caiazza, GA O'Toole - Journal of bacteriology, 2003 - Am Soc Microbiol
NC Caiazza, GA O'Toole
Journal of bacteriology, 2003•Am Soc MicrobiolStaphylococcus aureus is a common pathogen associated with nosocomial infections. It can
persist in clinical settings and gain increased resistance to antimicrobial agents through
biofilm formation. We have found that alpha-toxin, a secreted, multimeric, hemolytic toxin
encoded by the hla gene, plays an integral role in biofilm formation. The hla mutant was
unable to fully colonize plastic surfaces under both static and flow conditions. Based on
microscopy studies, we propose that alpha-hemolysin is required for cell-to-cell interactions …
persist in clinical settings and gain increased resistance to antimicrobial agents through
biofilm formation. We have found that alpha-toxin, a secreted, multimeric, hemolytic toxin
encoded by the hla gene, plays an integral role in biofilm formation. The hla mutant was
unable to fully colonize plastic surfaces under both static and flow conditions. Based on
microscopy studies, we propose that alpha-hemolysin is required for cell-to-cell interactions …
Abstract
Staphylococcus aureus is a common pathogen associated with nosocomial infections. It can persist in clinical settings and gain increased resistance to antimicrobial agents through biofilm formation. We have found that alpha-toxin, a secreted, multimeric, hemolytic toxin encoded by the hla gene, plays an integral role in biofilm formation. The hla mutant was unable to fully colonize plastic surfaces under both static and flow conditions. Based on microscopy studies, we propose that alpha-hemolysin is required for cell-to-cell interactions during biofilm formation.
American Society for Microbiology