How does Staphylococcus aureus successfully colonize the nasal cavity.

Abstract

Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus) is a clinically significant opportunistic pathogen, and its colonization of the nasal cavity increases the risk of S. aureus infections in humans. Elucidating the mechanisms of nasal colonization by S. aureus would be beneficial in preventing infections, although this is intricate. The colonization of the nasal cavity by S. aureus depends firstly on the organism's ability to adhere to the nasal cavity, with surface components such as ClfB, IsdA, and wall teichoic acid playing an important role. Secondly, S. aureus must continuously adapt to the unfavorable environment in the nasal cavity, including epithelial cell shedding, weak acids, low nutrients, and mechanical forces, which is a prerequisite for maintaining reproduction. Furthermore, S. aureus evades the host immune system's clearance mechanisms by resisting antimicrobial substances and interfering with immune cells. Concurrently, there are interfering, competitive, or mutually beneficial relationships between the nasal microbiota and S. aureus that influence colonization.