Role of Staphylococcus aureus Catalase in Niche Competition against Streptococcus pneumoniae

B Park, V Nizet, GY Liu - Journal of bacteriology, 2008 - Am Soc Microbiol
B Park, V Nizet, GY Liu
Journal of bacteriology, 2008Am Soc Microbiol
Nasal colonization by Staphylococcus aureus is a major predisposing factor for subsequent
infection. Recent reports of increased S. aureus colonization among children receiving
pneumococcal vaccine implicate Streptococcus pneumoniae as an important competitor for
the same niche. Since S. pneumoniae uses H2O2 to kill competing bacteria, we
hypothesized that oxidant defense could play a significant role in promoting S. aureus
colonization of the nasal mucosa. Using targeted mutagenesis, we showed that S. aureus …
Abstract
Nasal colonization by Staphylococcus aureus is a major predisposing factor for subsequent infection. Recent reports of increased S. aureus colonization among children receiving pneumococcal vaccine implicate Streptococcus pneumoniae as an important competitor for the same niche. Since S. pneumoniae uses H2O2 to kill competing bacteria, we hypothesized that oxidant defense could play a significant role in promoting S. aureus colonization of the nasal mucosa. Using targeted mutagenesis, we showed that S. aureus expression of catalase contributes significantly to the survival of this pathogen in the presence of S. pneumoniae both in vitro and in a murine model of nasal cocolonization.
American Society for Microbiology