Iron depletion alters surface-associated properties of Staphylococcus aureus and its association to human neutrophils in chemiluminescence

Abstract

Staphylococcus aureus NCTC 6571 was grown in iron-depleted tryptone soya broth (Fe - TSB) to approximate to in vivo conditions, and in iron-rich TSB (Fe + TSB). Low iron effected a crucial decrease in surface hydrophobicity (SH) and a lack of supernatant Protein A (PrA). Iron availability did not affect PrA detection in immunoblotting and it was identified as a 35.5 kDa antigen in this strain. Fe-phenotypes lacked 34, 48 and 52 kDa antigens. In chemiluminescence, Fe-phenotypes appeared least vulnerable to phagocytosis despite opsonisation. © 1989.