Virulence factors in enterococcal infections of orthopedic devices

Enterococci are opportunistic pathogens which today represent one of the leading causes of nosocomial infections. We have examined a collection of 52 Enterococcus faecalis isolated from orthopedic infections to determine if they were characterized by a specific pattern of virulence factors. The isol...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:International journal of artificial organs 2006-04, Vol.29 (4), p.402-406
Main Authors: Baldassarri, L, Creti, R, Recchia, S, Pataracchia, M, Alfarone, G, Orefici, G, Campoccia, D, Montanaro, L, Arciola, C R
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Biofilms - growth & development
Enterococcus faecalis
Enterococcus faecalis - classification
Enterococcus faecalis - genetics
Enterococcus faecalis - isolation & purification
Enterococcus faecalis - pathogenicity
Gelatinases - genetics
Gelatinases - metabolism
Genes, Bacterial
Gram-Positive Bacterial Infections - diagnosis
Gram-Positive Bacterial Infections - microbiology
Orthopedic Equipment - microbiology
Virulence - genetics
Virulence Factors
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Summary:Enterococci are opportunistic pathogens which today represent one of the leading causes of nosocomial infections. We have examined a collection of 52 Enterococcus faecalis isolated from orthopedic infections to determine if they were characterized by a specific pattern of virulence factors. The isolates were evaluated for biofilm formation, presence of genes coding the enterococcal surface protein (esp) and gelatinase (gelE), as well as for gelatinase production. While the rate of esp-positive isolates was comparable to that found among strains from other clinical sources, we found a significantly higher rate of strong biofilm formers and gelatinase producers. Particularly high was the rate of gelE-carrying strains expressing the gene. Data suggest that these two factors in particular may play an important role in enterococcal infections associated with biomaterials.
ISSN:0391-3988
1724-6040
DOI:10.1177/039139880602900410