The ROSA-Like Prophage Colonizing Staphylococcus aureus Promotes Intracellular Survival, Biofilm Formation, and Virulence in a Chronic Wound Environment

J Infect Dis. 2023 Dec 20;228(12):1800-1804. doi: 10.1093/infdis/jiad218.

Abstract

Background: The transition from colonization to invasion is critical in diabetic foot ulcer (DFU). Staphylococcus aureus can colonize DFU, or invade the underlying tissues, causing serious infections. The ROSA-like prophage has previously been implicated in strain colonization characteristics of S aureus isolates in uninfected ulcers.

Methods: In this study, we investigated this prophage in the S aureus-colonizing strain using an in vitro chronic wound medium mimicking the chronic wound environment.

Results: Chronic wound medium reduced bacterial growth and increased biofilm formation and virulence in a zebrafish model.

Conclusions: The ROSA-like prophage promoted intracellular survival of S aureus-colonizing strain in macrophages, keratinocytes, and osteoblasts.

Keywords: ROSA-like prophage; chronic wound medium; colonizing Staphylococcus aureus; diabetic foot ulcer.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Biofilms
  • Diabetic Foot* / microbiology
  • Prophages / genetics
  • Rosa*
  • Staphylococcal Infections* / microbiology
  • Staphylococcus aureus
  • Virulence
  • Zebrafish