Role of teichoic acids in Staphylococcus aureus nasal colonization, a major risk factor in nosocomial infections

10.1038/nm991 ◽  
2004 ◽  
Vol 10 (3) ◽  
pp. 243-245 ◽  
Author(s):  
Christopher Weidenmaier ◽  
John F Kokai-Kun ◽  
Sascha A Kristian ◽  
Tanya Chanturiya ◽  
Hubert Kalbacher ◽  
...  
mBio ◽  
2014 ◽  
Vol 5 (2) ◽  
Author(s):  
Adnan K. Syed ◽  
Sudeshna Ghosh ◽  
Nancy G. Love ◽  
Blaise R. Boles

ABSTRACT The biocide triclosan is used in many personal care products, including toothpastes, soaps, clothing, and medical equipment. Consequently, it is present as a contaminant in the environment and has been detected in some human fluids, including serum, urine, and milk. Staphylococcus aureus is an opportunistic pathogen that colonizes the noses and throats of approximately 30% of the population. Colonization with S. aureus is known to be a risk factor for several types of infection. Here we demonstrate that triclosan is commonly found in the nasal secretions of healthy adults and the presence of triclosan trends positively with nasal colonization by S. aureus. We demonstrate that triclosan can promote the binding of S. aureus to host proteins such as collagen, fibronectin, and keratin, as well as inanimate surfaces such as plastic and glass. Lastly, triclosan-exposed rats are more susceptible to nasal colonization with S. aureus. These data reveal a novel factor that influences the ability of S. aureus to bind surfaces and alters S. aureus nasal colonization. IMPORTANCE Triclosan has been used as a biocide for over 40 years, but the broader effects that it has on the human microbiome have not been investigated. We demonstrate that triclosan is present in nasal secretions of a large portion of a test population and its presence correlates with Staphylococcus aureus nasal colonization. Triclosan also promotes the binding of S. aureus to human proteins and increases the susceptibility of rats to nasal colonization by S. aureus. These findings are significant because S. aureus colonization is a known risk factor for the development of several types of infections. Our data demonstrate the unintended consequences of unregulated triclosan use and contribute to the growing body of research demonstrating inadvertent effects of triclosan on the environment and human health.


Author(s):  
Ankie Lebon ◽  
Joost A. M. Labout ◽  
Henri A. Verbrugh ◽  
Vincent W. V. Jaddoe ◽  
Albert Hofman ◽  
...  

mBio ◽  
2015 ◽  
Vol 6 (4) ◽  
Author(s):  
Volker Winstel ◽  
Petra Kühner ◽  
Ferdinand Salomon ◽  
Jesper Larsen ◽  
Robert Skov ◽  
...  

ABSTRACT Nasal colonization by the human pathogen Staphylococcus aureus is a major risk factor for hospital- and community-acquired infections. A key factor required for nasal colonization is a cell surface-exposed zwitterionic glycopolymer, termed wall teichoic acid (WTA). However, the precise mechanisms that govern WTA-mediated nasal colonization have remained elusive. Here, we report that WTA GlcNAcylation is a pivotal requirement for WTA-dependent attachment of community-acquired methicillin-resistant S. aureus (MRSA) and emerging livestock-associated MRSA to human nasal epithelial cells, even under conditions simulating the nutrient composition and dynamic flow of nasal secretions. Depending on the S. aureus strain, WTA O-GlcNAcylation occurs in either α or β configuration, which have similar capacities to mediate attachment to human nasal epithelial cells, suggesting that many S. aureus strains maintain redundant pathways to ensure appropriate WTA glycosylation. Strikingly, a lack of WTA glycosylation significantly abrogated the ability of MRSA to colonize cotton rat nares in vivo. These results indicate that WTA glycosylation modulates S. aureus nasal colonization and may help to develop new strategies for eradicating S. aureus nasal colonization in the future. IMPORTANCE Nasal colonization by the major human pathogen Staphylococcus aureus is a risk factor for severe endogenous infections and contributes to the spread of this microbe in hospitals and the community. Here, we show that wall teichoic acid (WTA) O-GlcNAcylation is a key factor required for S. aureus nasal colonization. These data provide a mechanistic explanation for the capacity of WTA to modulate S. aureus nasal colonization and may stimulate research activities to establish valuable strategies to eradicate S. aureus nasal colonization in high-risk hospitalized patients and in the general community.


CNS Spectrums ◽  
2009 ◽  
Vol 14 (S14) ◽  
pp. 3-5
Author(s):  
Richard C. Shelton

Nonadherence to antidepressants is the rule rather than the exception. A variety of factors contribute to the problem of nonadherence, including side effects, costs, and stigma. However, residual symptoms may represent the single major risk factor for nonadherence.


1995 ◽  
Vol 171 (1) ◽  
pp. 216-219 ◽  
Author(s):  
J. A. J. W. Kluytmans ◽  
J. W. Mouton ◽  
E. P. F. Ijzerman ◽  
C. M. J. E. Vandenbroucke-Grauls ◽  
A. W. P. M. Maat ◽  
...  

2008 ◽  
Vol 159 (2) ◽  
pp. 161-165 ◽  
Author(s):  
Mario Rotondi ◽  
Barbara Pirali ◽  
Sara Lodigiani ◽  
Simona Bray ◽  
Paola Leporati ◽  
...  

ObjectiveAggravation of autoimmune diseases due to a rebound reaction to the pregnancy-associated immune changes is common during the post partum (PP) period. Previous studies demonstrated that up to 45% of women developing Graves' disease (GD) in the childbearing age had a PP onset of disease. Thus, the PP period was identified as a major risk factor for GD onset.DesignThe aim of this study was to evaluate the role of the PP period as a risk factor for GD occurrence.MethodsThe reproductive histories of 291 consecutive GD patients (165 patients in the childbearing age and 126 in the non-childbearing age) were retrospectively collected.ResultsThe rate of PP onset of GD in all patients with at least one successful pregnancy was 9.8 and 20.0% when only patients in the childbearing age were considered. In the entire cohort of GD women, independent of their age and parity status (i.e., the number of successful pregnancies), the rate of PP onset of GD was 7.2%. The relative frequencies of the rate of PP onset of GD were similar in relation with increasing parity. The rates of false negative (nulliparous) and false positive (parous non-childbearing+childbearing with a non-PP onset of GD) were estimated. The positive predictive value of the PP period for the onset of GD was less than 10%.ConclusionsThe results of the current study would not support a role for the PP period as a major risk factor for de novo occurrence of GD.


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