Identification and characterization of an operon, msaABCR, that controls virulence and biofilm development in Staphylococcus aureus.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Community-acquired, methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus strains often cause localized infections in immunocompromised hosts, but some strains show enhanced virulence leading to severe infections even among healthy individuals with no predisposing risk factors. The genetic basis for this enhanced virulence has yet to be determined. S. aureus possesses a wide variety of virulence factors, the expression of which is carefully coordinated by a variety of regulators. Several virulence regulators have been well characterized, but others have yet to be thoroughly investigated. Previously, we identified the msa gene as a regulator of several virulence genes, biofilm development, and antibiotic resistance. We also found evidence of the involvement of upstream genes in msa

SUBMITTER: Sahukhal GS 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC4229872 | biostudies-literature | 2014 Jun

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature