Staphylococcus aureus, Antibiotic Resistance, and the Interaction with Human Neutrophils

Significance:Staphylococcus aureusis among the leading causes of bacterial infections worldwide. The high burden ofS. aureusamong human and animal hosts, which includes asymptomatic carriage and infection, is coupled with a notorious ability of the microbe to become resistant to antibiotics. Notably,S. aureushas the ability to produce molecules that promote evasion of host defense, including the ability to avoid killing by neutrophils. Recent Advances:Significant progress has been made to better understandS. aureus-host interactions. These discoveries include elucidation of the role played by numerousS. aureusvirulence molecules during infection. Based on putative functions, a number of these virulence molecules, includingS. aureusalpha-hemolysin and protein A, have been identified as therapeutic targets. Although it has not been possible to develop a vaccine that can preventS. aureusinfections, monoclonal antibodies specific forS. aureusvirulence molecules have the potential to moderate the severity of disease. Critical Issues:Therapeutic options for treatment of methicillin-resistantS. aureus(MRSA) are limited, and the microbe typically develops resistance to new antibiotics. New prophylactics and/or therapeutics are needed. Future Directions:Research that promotes an enhanced understanding ofS. aureus-host interaction is an important step toward developing new therapeutic approaches directed to moderate disease severity and facilitate treatment of infection. This research effort includes studies that enhance our view of the interaction ofS. aureuswith human neutrophils.