Mission

The increase in persistent staphylococcus infections from implanted prostheses or catheters is a major risk for patients and contributes to the rise in the proportion of staphylococcus strains that are multi-resistant to antibiotics.

Staphylococcus aureus infections develop as follows:

• The production of bacterial adhesins that recognize the host's proteins (fibronectine, fibrine, collagene) and that can promote adherence to and colonization of normal tissues by S. aureus
   
• The controlled emission of several exotoxins that are particularly harmful to foreign bodies
   
• Possibility of survival in strong concentrations of antibiotic bactericides in certain in vivo conditions.

The purpose of our research is

• To evaluate the molecular expression and control of factors determining the virulence of S. aureus in in vivo experimental situations and in the in vitro infection of foreign bodies
   
• To understand how environmental stress (toxic substances, antiseptics, antibiotics) can modulate the expression of S. aureus virulence factors
   
• Investigate the emergence of S. aureus' resistance to glycopeptides
   
• To understand how metallic debris released by biomaterials from orthopaedic implants can reduce the host's defence mechanisms against bacterial infections.

An increased knowledge of the mechanisms that govern the virulence of S. aureus and of the factors that determine its resistance to antibiotics should improve the prevention and treatment of these infections.

Services

See Research and specialised dosages