The ROSA-Like Prophage Colonizing Staphylococcus aureus Promotes Intracellular Survival, Biofilm Formation, and Virulence in a Chronic Wound Environment.

BACKGROUND:The transition from colonization to invasion is critical in diabetic foot ulcer (DFU). Staphylococcus aureus can colonize DFU, or invade the underlying tissues, causing serious infections. The ROSA-like prophage has previously been implicated in strain colonization characteristics of S aureus isolates in uninfected ulcers. METHODS:In this study, we investigated this prophage in the S aureus-colonizing strain using an in vitro chronic wound medium mimicking the chronic wound environment. RESULTS:Chronic wound medium reduced bacterial growth and increased biofilm formation and virulence in a zebrafish model. CONCLUSIONS:The ROSA-like prophage promoted intracellular survival of S aureus-colonizing strain in macrophages, keratinocytes, and osteoblasts.