Contribution of the enterococcal surface protein Esp to pathogenesis of Enterococcus faecium endocarditis

Esther Heikens, Kavindra V. Singh, Karen D. Jacques-Palaz, Miranda van Luit-Asbroek, Evelien A.N. Oostdijk, Marc J.M. Bonten, Barbara E. Murray, Rob J.L. Willems

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

59 Scopus citations

Abstract

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 (E1162Δ. esp) were inoculated through a catheter into the left ventricle of rats. After 24 h, less E1162Δ. esp 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.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)1185-1190
Number of pages6
JournalMicrobes and Infection
Volume13
Issue number14-15
DOIs
StatePublished - Dec 2011

Keywords

  • Endocarditis
  • Enterococcal surface protein Esp
  • Enterococcus faecium
  • Immunity
  • Pathogenesis

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Microbiology
  • Immunology
  • Infectious Diseases

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