The human nasal microbiota and Staphylococcus aureus carriage.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Colonization of humans with Staphylococcus aureus is a critical prerequisite of subsequent clinical infection of the skin, blood, lung, heart and other deep tissues. S. aureus persistently or intermittently colonizes the nares of approximately 50% of healthy adults, whereas approximately 50% of the general population is rarely or never colonized by this pathogen. Because microbial consortia within the nasal cavity may be an important determinant of S. aureus colonization we determined the composition and dynamics of the nasal microbiota and correlated specific microorganisms with S. aureus colonization.

Methodology/principal findings

Nasal specimens were collected longitudinally from five healthy adults and a cross-section of hospitalized patients (26 S. aureus ca

SUBMITTER: Frank DN 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC2871794 | biostudies-literature | 2010 May

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature