The alternative sigma factor sigma B of Staphylococcus aureus modulates virulence in experimental central venous catheter-related infections.

Wilma Ziebuhr

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

26 Citations (Scopus)

Abstract

The impact of the alternative sigma factor sigma B (SigB) on pathogenesis of Staphylococcus aureus is not conclusively clarified. In this study, a central venous catheter (CVC) related model of multiorgan infection was used to investigate the role of SigB for the pathogenesis of S. aureus infections and biofilm formation in vivo. Analysis of two SigB-positive wild-type strains and their isogenic mutants revealed uniformly that the wild-type was significantly more virulent than the SigB-deficient mutant. The observed difference in virulence was apparently not linked to the capability of the strains to form biofilms in vivo since wild-type and mutant strains were able to produce biofilm layers inside of the catheter. The data strongly indicate that the alternative sigma factor SigB plays a role in CVC-associated infections caused by S. aureus.
Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)217-223
Number of pages7
JournalMicrobes and infection / Institut Pasteur
Volume10(3)
Issue number3
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - Mar 2008

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Microbiology
  • Infectious Diseases

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