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Review
. 2018 Oct 8:9:2419.
doi: 10.3389/fmicb.2018.02419. eCollection 2018.

Staphylococcus aureus Nasal Colonization: An Update on Mechanisms, Epidemiology, Risk Factors, and Subsequent Infections

Adèle Sakr  1   2 , Fabienne Brégeon  1 , Jean-Louis Mège  1 , Jean-Marc Rolain  1 , Olivier Blin  2
Affiliations
Review

Staphylococcus aureus Nasal Colonization: An Update on Mechanisms, Epidemiology, Risk Factors, and Subsequent Infections

Adèle Sakr et al. Front Microbiol. .

Abstract

Up to 30% of the human population are asymptomatically and permanently colonized with nasal Staphylococcus aureus. To successfully colonize human nares, S. aureus needs to establish solid interactions with human nasal epithelial cells and overcome host defense mechanisms. However, some factors like bacterial interactions in the human nose can influence S. aureus colonization and sometimes prevent colonization. On the other hand, certain host characteristics and environmental factors can predispose to colonization. Nasal colonization can cause opportunistic and sometimes life-threatening infections such as surgical site infections or other infections in non-surgical patients that increase morbidity, mortality as well as healthcare costs.

Keywords: Staphylococcus aureus; epidemiology; nasal carriage; nasal colonization; nasal microbiota; predisposing factors; surgical site infections (SSI).

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Figures

FIGURE 1
FIGURE 1
Main bacterial interactions with nasal S. aureus.
FIGURE 2
FIGURE 2
Main spread and transmission mechanisms of S. aureus and impact of nasal carriage on subsequent infections.
FIGURE 3
FIGURE 3
Mechanisms of S. aureus nasal colonization.
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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