Staphylococcus aureus virulence in ovine skin and wound infection models

• Applicant: Dr. Silva Holtfreter
• Subject Area: Parasitology and Biology of Tropical Infectious Disease Pathogens
• Term: from 2009 to 2014
• Project identifier: Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG) - Project number 134000614

Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus) is a frequent and usually harmless commensal of the human skin. However, if skin barriers are broken and the host’s immune system is impaired, these bacteria can cause skin and wound infections. Recently, highly virulent and resistant S. aureus strains have emerged, so-called community-acquired methicillin resistant S. aureus (CA-MRSA), that cause severe necrotizing skin infections, even in immune-competent young individuals. In consequence, we urgently need new strategies for prevention and treatment of staphylococcal infections. The aim of this project is to examine the role of a class of new virulence factors called Staphylococcal Superantigen-Like (SSL) proteins in ovine skin and wound infection models. Sheep were chosen because SSL molecules bind and inhibit human and sheep immune components, whereas many do not function in mice – the typical model used for staphylococcal infection. The importance of SSL proteins for virulence will be elucidated with ssl deficient mutant strains. Afterwards, we will test whether vaccination with SSL proteins is protective. The results will provide essential information on the applicability of the SSLs for an anti-staphylococcal vaccine.

• DFG Programme: Research Fellowships
• International Connection: New Zealand
• Host: Professor John Fraser