Contribution of the enterococcal surface protein Esp to pathogenesis of Enterococcus faecium endocarditis
2011
Heikens, Esther | Singh, Kavindra V. | Jacques-Palaz, Karen D. | van Luit-Asbroek, Miranda | Oostdijk, Evelien A.N. | Bonten, Marc J.M. | Murray, Barbara E. | Willems, Rob J.L.
The enterococcal surface protein Esp, specifically linked to nosocomial Enterococcus faecium, is involved in biofilm formation. To assess the role of Esp in endocarditis, a biofilm-associated infection, an Esp-expressing E. faecium strain (E1162) or its Esp-deficient mutant (E1162Δesp) were inoculated through a catheter into the left ventricle of rats. After 24 h, less E1162Δesp than E1162 were recovered from heart valve vegetations. In addition, anti-Esp antibodies were detected in Esp-positive E. faecium bacteremia and endocarditis patient sera. In conclusion, Esp contributes to colonization of E. faecium at the heart valves. Furthermore, systemic infection elicits an Esp-specific antibody response in humans.
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