Staphylococcus aureus induced clotting of plasma is an immune evasion mechanism to persist within the fibrin network.

• Recent work has shown that coagulation and innate immunity are tightly interwoven host responses that help eradicate an invading pathogen. Some bacterial species including Staphylococcus aureus secrete pro-coagulant factors that in turn can modulate these immune reactions. Such mechanisms may not only protect the microorganism from a lethal attack, but also promote bacterial proliferation and the establishment of the infection. Our data show that coagulase positive S. aureus bacteria promote clotting of plasma which was not seen when a coagulase-deficient mutant strain was used. Further in vitro studies show that this ability constitutes a mechanism that supports the aggregation, survival, and persistence of the microorganism within the fibrin network. These findings were also confirmed when agglutination and persistence of coagulase-positive S. aureus bacteria at the local focus of infection were studied in a subcutaneous murine infection model. In contrast, the coagulase-deficient S. aureus strain which was not able to induce clotting failed to aggregate and to persist in vivo. In conclusion our data suggest that coagulase positive S. aureus have evolved mechanisms that prevent their elimination within a fibrin clot.

Ämnesord

MEDICIN OCH HÄLSOVETENSKAP  -- Klinisk medicin -- Infektionsmedicin (hsv//swe)

MEDICAL AND HEALTH SCIENCES  -- Clinical Medicine -- Infectious Medicine (hsv//eng)

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