Pili prove pertinent to enterococcal endocarditis
Jonathan M. Budzik, Olaf Schneewind
Jonathan M. Budzik, Olaf Schneewind
Published October 2, 2006
Citation Information: J Clin Invest. 2006;116(10):2582-2584. https://doi.org/10.1172/JCI30088.
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Commentary

Pili prove pertinent to enterococcal endocarditis

Abstract

Enterococcus faecalis is an important agent of endocarditis and urinary tract infections, which occur frequently in hospitals. Antimicrobial therapy is complicated by the emergence of drug-resistant strains, which contribute significantly to mortality associated with E. faecalis infection. In this issue of the JCI, Nallapareddy and colleagues report that E. faecalis produces pili on its surface and that these proteinaceous fibers are used for bacterial adherence to host tissues and for the establishment of biofilms and endocarditis (see the related article beginning on page 2799). This information may enable new vaccine strategies for the prevention of E. faecalis infections.

Authors

Jonathan M. Budzik, Olaf Schneewind

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Figure 1

Role for pili in the establishment of E. faecalis infection.

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Role for pili in the establishment of E. faecalis infection. ...
Enterococci may use pili (surface fibrils) for microbial attachment to host tissues (i). Surface proteins (e.g., AS, Esp, and Ace) are involved in establishing tight bacterial adherence to host cells (ii). Enterococcal aggregation induces biofilm formation (iii) and elaboration of exopolysaccharide matrix (blue surface layer). Quorum-sensing–controlled expression of protease and cytolysin mediate host cell death and spread of infection (iv). Schematic modified with permission from ASM Press (1).