The pneumococcal pilus predicts the absence of Staphylococcus aureus co-colonization in pneumococcal carriers

Clin Infect Dis. 2009 Mar 15;48(6):760-3. doi: 10.1086/597040.

Abstract

The determinants of the negative association between Streptococcus pneumoniae and Stapylococcus aureus colonization are unknown. In this matched case-control study, the odds of co-colonization with S. aureus were significantly lower for individuals carrying a piliated versus a nonpiliated S. pneumoniae strain, suggesting the pilus may be a determinant of the negative association.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Antibiosis*
  • Carrier State / microbiology*
  • Case-Control Studies
  • Child, Preschool
  • Fimbriae, Bacterial*
  • Humans
  • Infant
  • Infant, Newborn
  • Pneumococcal Infections / microbiology*
  • Staphylococcal Infections / epidemiology*
  • Streptococcus pneumoniae / physiology*
  • Young Adult