Streptolysin S contributes to group A streptococcal translocation across an epithelial barrier.

ABSTRACT: Group A Streptococcus pyogenes (GAS) is a human pathogen that causes local suppurative infections and severe invasive diseases. Systemic dissemination of GAS is initiated by bacterial penetration of the epithelial barrier of the pharynx or damaged skin. To gain insight into the mechanism by which GAS penetrates the epithelial barrier, we sought to identify both bacterial and host factors involved in the process. Screening of a transposon mutant library of a clinical GAS isolate recovered from an invasive episode allowed identification of streptolysin S (SLS) as a novel factor that facilitates the translocation of GAS. Of note, the wild type strain efficiently translocated across the epithelial monolayer, accompanied by a decrease in transepithelial electrical resistance and cleavage of tra

SUBMITTER: Sumitomo T 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC3024771 | biostudies-literature | 2011 Jan

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature