Alpha-Toxin Is Required for Biofilm Formation by Staphylococcus aureus
Year: 2003
Type: article
Abstract: 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.
Source: Journal of Bacteriology
Authors: Nicky C. Caiazza, G. A. O'Toole
Institution: Dartmouth College
Language: English
Subfield: Molecular Biology
Domain: Life Sciences
Open Access status: green
OpenAlex ID: W2124346064