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

Abstract

Abstract 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.