Streptococcal colonization of host mucosal surfaces: a study of biofilm formation and dispersal

Group A <italic>Streptococcus</italic> (GAS) is a Gram-positive pathogen that is the causative agent of a variety of human diseases. Infections include pharyngitis, otitis media, sepsis, a toxic-shock syndrome, necrotizing fasciitis, and the post-infectious sequelae acute rheumatic fever and acute rheumatic heart disease. Thus, rather than exploit a singular niche, GAS has evolved to colonize and disseminate within several physiologically distinct anatomical sites of the human host. Such versatility requires the ability to coordinately regulate the expression and production of numerous factors in rapid response to host and environmental signals in order to facilitate attachment, replication, and eventual dispersal (dissemination). Experimental evidence suggests that GAS forms biofilms during the colonization of a surface. A biofilm is a bacterial sessile community encased in an extracellular matrix and attached to a substratum or interface. Biofilms are inherently tolerant to host defenses and antibiotic therapies and often involved in chronic illness due to impaired clearance. It is estimated that upwards of 60% of all bacterial infections involve biofilms. Presently, little is known about GAS biofilm matrix composition, or the regulation of biofilm formation and dispersal.

Grantor dc:publisher

Wake Forest University

Year dc:date.issued

2010

Author dc:creator

• Roberts, Amity L.

• Biofilm

Language dc:language.iso

en

Handle dc:identifier.uri

http://hdl.handle.net/10339/30433

OAI identifier oai:identifier

oai:wakespace.lib.wfu.edu:10339/30433