Phenotypic switching and establishment of persistent infection in S. aureus

2017 Fiscal Year Final Research Report

• Project/Area Number: 26460536
• Research Category: Grant-in-Aid for Scientific Research (C)
• Allocation Type: Multi-year Fund
• Section: 一般
• Research Field: Bacteriology (including mycology)
• Research Institution: Jichi Medical University (2015-2017); Kitasato University (2014)
• Principal Investigator: Cui Longzhu 自治医科大学, 医学部, 教授 (50306932)
• Project Period (FY): 2014-04-01 – 2018-03-31
• Keywords: 黄色ブドウ球菌 / 持続感染 / 表現型スイッチング

Outline of Final Research Achievements

The following conclusions were drawn through this study on the mechanism of the establishment of persistent infection by SCV vs LCV switching in Staphylococcus aureus: 1) Toxin produced by LCVs at the early stage of infection damages tissues and creates a site of optimal infection; 2) LCVs form a biofilm during mid-infection, so that the infected lesion surrounded by a strong protective barrier. In other words, infection model in which persistent infection is established by properly using the two characteristics of SCVs which the bacteria favor against immune evasion and LCVs which resists chemotherapy during the infection.

Free Research Field

感染症