Have We Outlived the Concept of Commensalism for Staphylococcus aureus?
expert_opinion · Level V
Where this comes from
- Record sourced from PubMed, PMID 32971535.
- Also identified by DOI 10.1093/cid/ciaa1431.
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Abstract
The concept of commensalism was introduced 145 years ago. The origin of the term comes from the Latin and embodies the concept of dining together. With a much deeper understanding of organisms that live with humans, a reassessment of what represents a commensal seems in order. This viewpoint article examines whether or not Staphylococcus aureus should still be considered a commensal. As a leading cause of serious community and hospital infections, removing the label "commensal" from S. aureus may help us to focus upon how to approach this organism, as the host response to this nasal colonizer is closer to mutually assured destruction rather than a friendly meal together.
Medical subject headings
- Staphylococcal Infections
- Staphylococcus aureus