Stress conditions in the host induce persister cells and influence biofilm formation by Staphylococcus epidermidis RP62A

• Published in: Revista da Sociedade Brasileira de Medicina Tropical
• Main Authors: Rafael Ovando Fraiha, Ana Paula Ramos Pereira, Eliana da Costa Alvarenga Brito, Clayton Luiz Borges, Ana Flávia Alves Parente, Renata Trentin Perdomo, Maria Ligia Rodrigues Macedo, Simone Schneider Weber
• Format: Article in Journal/Newspaper
• Language: English
• Published: Sociedade Brasileira de Medicina Tropical (SBMT) 2019
• Subjects: Persistence; Starvation; Virulence; Arctic medicine. Tropical medicine; RC955-962; Arctic
• Online Access: https://doi.org/10.1590/0037-8682-0001-2018; https://doaj.org/article/c645340212084d03ae7190abdd6abe6d

Abstract INTRODUCTION: Studies have demonstrated that pathogens react to the harsh conditions in human tissues by inducing mechanisms that promote survival. METHODS: Persistence and biofilm-forming ability were evaluated during stress conditions that mimic those in the host. RESULTS: Carbon-source availability had a positive effect on Staphylococcus epidermidis RP62A adhesion during hypoxia, accompanied by a decrease in pH. In contrast, iron limitation led to decreased surface-adherent biomass, accompanied by an increase medium acidification and lactate levels. Interestingly, iron starvation and hypoxia induced persister cells in planktonic culture. CONCLUSIONS: These findings highlight the role of host stress in the virulence of S. epidermidis.