The Host Immune System Facilitates Disseminated Staphylococcus aureus Disease Due to Phagocytic Attraction to Candida albicans during Coinfection: a Case of Bait and Switch [Host-Associated Microbial Communities]

In this study, we show that highly immunogenic C. albicans hyphae attract phagocytic cells, which rapidly engulf adherent S. aureus and subsequently migrate to cervical lymph nodes. Following S. aureus-loaded phagocyte translocation from the mucosal surface, S. aureus produces systemic disease with accompanying morbidity and mortality. Our results suggest a novel role for the host in facilitating a bacterium-fungus infectious synergy, leading to disseminated staphylococcal disease.

Source: Infection and Immunity - October 17, 2019 Category: Infectious Diseases Authors: Allison, D. L., Scheres, N., Willems, H. M. E., Bode, C. S., Krom, B. P., Shirtliff, M. E. Tags: Host-Associated Microbial Communities Source Type: research