Staphylococcus: Genetics and Physiology

Description

In the twenty first century, the bacterium Staphylococcus aureus continues to be a global threat to human and animal health. There is currently no vaccine for preventing S. aureus infections and the bacterium has developed resistance to many, if not most, antibiotics, hence the therapeutic options are rapidly disappearing. The genetic and physiological flexibility that allows this commensal bacterium to become a powerful pathogen and elucidating the myriad of mechanisms it employs to avoid the host and/or antimicrobials are important areas of research. This book brings together respected S. aureus  experts from around the world to provide a timely overview of staphylococcal research. Topics covered include: medical significance; genetic variation; virulence factors; metabolism; proteomics; cell wall assembly; antibiotic resistance; genetic regulation; and immune response. Essential reading for scientists working with staphylococci. This text is an excellent introduction for entry level scientists, as well as those seeking a deeper understanding of this critically important bacterial pathogen. Contents Contributors Preface Current Books of Interest 1. History of Staphylococcus aureus Introduction Discovery: identification and classification Mapping of the S. aureus genome Pathogenesis Urinary tract infections Vaccines and immunity Antibiotic efficacy and resistance Meetings Conclusions 2. Clinical Significance in Humans Introduction Staphylococci: a short description of the species Staphylococci: natural commensals of humans Staphylococcal disease: clinically important manifestations Conclusions 3. Staphylococcus: Clinical Significance in Animals Introduction Staphylococci as veterinary pathogens Virulence factors Staphylococcus aureus infections in animals Staphylococcus intermedius group (SIG) and associated diseases Coagulase-negative staphylococci Treatment of veterinary staphylococci infections Antimicrobial resistance in veterinary staphylococci Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus pseudintermedius Conclusions and future trends 4. Staphylococcal Variation and Evolution Introduction The S. aureus genome Variation between isolates Variation: mechanisms Selection Other staphylococcal species Technology Conclusions and future 5. Staphylococcal Virulence Factors Introduction Colonization: teichoic acids and microbial surface components recognizing adhesive matrix molecules (MSCRAAMs) Superantigens (SAgs) and exfoliative toxins (ETs): systemic defence against the human immune system Cytotoxins: the second line of defence against the human immune system Third line of S. aureus defence against the human immune system 6. Staphylococcus aureus Metabolism and Physiology Introduction Cultivation of Staphylococcus aureus Staphylococcal growth phases and changes in metabolism Staphylococcus aureus metabolism Glycolysis Pentose phosphate pathway Tricarboxylic acid cycle Gluconeogenesis Amino sugar biosynthesis Amino acid synthesis Nucleic acid synthesis Conclusion 7. Physiological Proteomics of Staphylococcus aureus: from the Protein Inventory to Stress Physiology and in vivo Adaptation Introduction The protein inventory of S. aureus S. aureus proteomic signatures: towards an understanding of S. aureus adaptation to the human host during colonization and infection Concluding remarks 8. Cell Wall Assembly and Physiology Introduction S. aureus membrane lipids and their synthesis S. aureus peptidoglycan structure, synthesis and function Cell wall proteins in S. aureus Teichoic acids in S. aureus Exopolysaccharides in S. aureus Cell wall synthesis inhibitors and resistance mechanisms Conclusions 9. Transition Metal Ion Homeostasis Introduction Iron Manganese Zinc Nickel and cobalt Avoiding excess: mechanisms of defence against toxic metals The importance of metal ion homeostasis in the host Host iron metabolism Host Mn, Cu and Zn metabolism Concluding remarks 10. Stress Responses in Staphylococcus aureus Introduction The heat shock response: a general response to protein damage The SigB regulon Oxidative stress DNA damage response Osmotic stress Cold stress The stringent response Cell envelope stress Concluding remarks 11. Molecular Strategies of Staphylococcus aureus for Resisting Antibiotics Introduction Resistance to antibiotics used in the therapy of S. aureus infection Discussion 12. Genetic Regulation Introduction Two-component systems The Sar family of DNA-binding proteins Metabolite responsive elements Alternative σ factors Regulatory RNAs Conclusions and future trends 13. Immune Response to Staphylococcus aureus Introduction Innate immune response to bacterial infection Adaptive immune response to bacterial infection Immune regulation Why immunity fails: immune evasion and immunodeficiency Immunological memory and protective immunity Anti-S. aureus vaccines Discussion Index