Mechanisms of Staphylococcus aureus virulence

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In FY2023, we continued our long-standing research in the area of Staphylococcus aureus pathogenesis. A significant component of our research utilizes animal infection models to study mechanisms of pathogenesis, and/or investigates interaction of S. aureus with human neutrophils. Although most bacteria are killed readily by neutrophils, some strains of S. aureus have evolved mechanisms to circumvent destruction by neutrophils and thereby cause human infections. Notably, Staphylococcus aureus is among the most frequent causes of bloodstream, skin and soft tissue, and lower respiratory tract infections in much of the world, including the United States. In addition, the pathogen has become increasingly resistant to antibiotics over the past several decades and methicillin-resistant S. aureus (MRSA) is a leading cause of healthcare-associated infections. Thus, treatment options are limited.