Competitive inhibition and mutualistic growth in co-infections: deciphering <i>Staphylococcus aureus-Acinetobacter baumannii</i> interaction dynamics.

ABSTRACT: Staphylococcus aureus (Sa) and Acinetobacter baumannii (Ab) are frequently co-isolated from polymicrobial infections that are severe and refractory to therapy. Here, we apply a combination of wet-lab experiments and in silico modeling to unveil the intricate nature of the Ab/Sa interaction using both, representative laboratory strains and strains co-isolated from clinical samples. This comprehensive methodology allowed uncovering Sa's capability to exert a partial interference on Ab by the expression of phenol-soluble modulins. In addition, we observed a cross-feeding mechanism by which Sa supports the growth of Ab by providing acetoin as an alternative carbon source. This study is the first to dissect the Ab/Sa i

SUBMITTER: Timme S 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC11221087 | biostudies-literature | 2024 Jan

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature