January 2022 Vol.10 No.1

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Original Research Article

Nasal Infection by Slime-Producing Staphylococcus aureus in a Mouse Model

Daniela R Echenique^1*, Claudia Aguilera Merlo², Albana M. Cruceño², Claudia M. Mattana¹, Sara E. Satorres¹

Microbiology Area¹, Morphology Area². Faculty of Chemistry, Biochemistry and Pharmacy National University of San Luis

*Corresponding Author's E-mail: danirechenique@gmail.com.
Tel.: +549-2664690911

Received: 22 December 2021    I    Accepted: 25 January 2022    I    Published: 30 January 2022    I    Article ID: MRJMBS21022
Copyright © 2022 Author(s) retain the copyright of this article.
This article is published under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License 4.0.

Abstract

Staphylococcus aureus is part of the normal microbiota in humans. Its main reservoir is the nostrils, from where it can spread and be responsible for a wide spectrum of diseases. The aim of this study was to evaluate nasal colonization and histopathogenic effects on the nasal mucosa mice infected with slime producing S. aureus. Mice C57BL/6 (wild-type) and C57BL/6 deficient in TNFR p55 were infected intranasally with S. aureus slime-producing strain. Colony counts from blood and from nasal and internal organs homogenates were evaluated. Histological studies were performed. No significant differences in bacterial counts were found between mice strains after nasal infection with S. aureus. In the deficient mouse strain, low respiratory system infection was detected, demonstrated by bacterial counts in the lung homogenates. The histological sections of the nostrils of both strains of infected mice showed an increase in fat cells in relation to controls. The lung of infected C57BL/6 TNFR p55 -/- mice revealed adipose tissue and marked leukocyte infiltration. The passage of bacteria to the lung could be related to a decrease in defence mechanisms against S. aureus in C57BL/6 TNFR p55 -/- mice, due to the absence of signalling and consequent lack of action of TNF-α. The local increase in adipocytes may constitute an important defence response against S. aureus infection by the host.

Keywords: S. aureus, nasal carrier, slime, histological studies, C57BL/6 wild-type mice, C57BL/6 TNFR p55 -/- mice