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(Reference retrieved automatically from Web of Science through information on FAPESP grant and its corresponding number as mentioned in the publication by the authors.)

Expression of superantigens and the agr system in Staphylococcus epidermidis

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Author(s):
Pereira, Valeria Cataneli [1, 2] ; Pinheiro, Luiza [1] ; Oliveira, Adilson [1] ; Martins, Katheryne Benini [1] ; Moraes Ribolia, Danilo Flavio [1] ; Ribeiro de Souza da Cunha, Maria de Lourdes [1]
Total Authors: 6
Affiliation:
[1] UNESP Univ Estadual Paulista, Inst Biosci, Dept Microbiol & Immunol, Lab Bacteriol, BR-18618970 Botucatu, SP - Brazil
[2] Univ Oeste Paulista, BR-19050920 Presidente Prudente, SP - Brazil
Total Affiliations: 2
Document type: Journal article
Source: Microbial Pathogenesis; v. 115, p. 19-24, FEB 2018.
Web of Science Citations: 2
Abstract

Infections with coagulase-negative staphylococci (CoNS) can involve the production of toxins such as super antigens, which contribute to tissue degradation and inflammatory immune responses. The accessory gene regulator (agr) quorum sensing system coordinates the expression of most S. aureus virulence factors. Therefore, the aim of this study was to investigate the expression of these superantigens and the presence of the agr locus in CoNS strains isolated from blood cultures. PCR was used to detect enterotoxin and agr genes and expression was analyzed by RT-PCR. Expression of the sea gene was observed in one S. epidermidis isolate and of sec-1 in two, seg and sei were expressed concomitantly in one isolate, and sei was expressed in another isolate. The agr group I was detected in S. epidermidis expressing the sea, seg and sei genes, whereas agr group II was detected in isolates expressing thesec-1 gene. The agr groups were only expressed in strains expressing thesec-1 gene. The results show that enterotoxin genes are highly frequent in CoNS isolated from clinical specimens and confirm the toxin producing ability of these strains. The agr group II may be associated with enterotoxin C production by S. epidermidis, increasing the virulence of strains isolated from blood cultures and consequently the severity of sepsis caused by these organisms. (AU)

FAPESP's process: 11/23746-2 - Evidence of the presence of the AGR system, expression of toxins and antimicrobial resistance in coagulase-negative staphylococci isolates from hemoculture
Grantee:Valéria Cataneli Pereira
Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Doctorate (Direct)