A patient with diabetes has a history of foot ulcer and, specifically, a recurrent diabetic foot infection (DFI). Despite treatment and apparent success of the treatment the infection continues to reappear. The initial microbiological investigation has identified Staphylococcus aureus in this infection. Diagnostic laboratory serotyping and clonal complex (CC) analysis has grouped this S. aureus isolate with S. aureus strains that actually are more commonly isolated from patients with respiratory infections. Further simple analysis by PCR has revealed the presence of non-typical virulence factors. Describe a research plan you would undertake to identify the molecular mechanisms (that is: the surface structures, the metabolic pathways and the stress response pathways) used by this specific S. aureus isolate for its colonization, persistence, and to act as a recurrent cause of DFI disease.
A patient with diabetes has a history of foot ulcer and, specifically, a recurrent diabetic foot infection (DFI). Despite treatment and apparent success of the treatment the infection continues to reappear. The initial microbiological investigation has identified Staphylococcus aureus in this infection. Diagnostic laboratory serotyping and clonal complex (CC) analysis has grouped this S. aureus isolate with S. aureus strains that actually are more commonly isolated from patients with respiratory infections. Further simple analysis by PCR has revealed the presence of non-typical virulence factors. Describe a research plan you would undertake to identify the molecular mechanisms (that is: the surface structures, the metabolic pathways and the stress response pathways) used by this specific S. aureus isolate for its colonization, persistence, and to act as a recurrent cause of DFI disease.
