Alpha-toxin is required for biofilm formation by Staphylococcus aureus.
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.
Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Dartmouth Medical School, Hanover, New Hampshire 03755, USA.
Nicky C
NC
Caiazza
G A
GA
O'Toole
D001427:Bacterial Toxins / Q000235:genetics / Q000378:metabolism*; D018441:Biofilms / Q000254:growth & development*; D006460:Hemolysin Proteins / Q000235:genetics / Q000378:metabolism*; D008858:Microscopy, Phase-Contrast; D009154:Mutation; D010641:Phenotype; D011135:Polysaccharides, Bacterial / Q000235:genetics / Q000378:metabolism; D013211:Staphylococcus aureus / Q000235:genetics / Q000502:physiology*
D001427:Bacterial Toxins; D006460:Hemolysin Proteins; D011135:Polysaccharides, Bacterial; C113579:polysaccharide intercellular adhesin; C021091:staphylococcal alpha-toxin