NorA and Tet38 efflux pumps enable <i>Staphylococcus aureus</i> survival in the cystic fibrosis airway environment, resistance to antibiotics, and coinfection with <i>Pseudomonas aeruginosa</i>.

ABSTRACT: Efflux pumps play multiple roles in bacterial physiology, environmental adaptation, and antibiotic resistance. Early cystic fibrosis (CF) airway infections start with Staphylococcus aureus (SA), often later followed by Pseudomonas aeruginosa (PA) infections. In this study, we have evaluated the role of SA pumps NorA and Tet38 in survival and interaction with PA in CF patients. Data showed a ≥4-log₁₀CFU/mL growth deficit of SA mutants ΔnorA and Δtet38 in an artificial sputum medium (ASM), suggesting NorA and Tet38 contributed to SA growth in CF sputum. In ASM, mucin activated norA but inhibited tet38, while extracellular DNA activated tet38 but inhibited norA, demonstrating complemen

SUBMITTER: Truong-Bolduc QC 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12326990 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Aug

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature