The fibronectin-binding protein EfbA contributes to pathogenesis and protects against infective Endocarditis caused by Enterococcus faecalis

Kavindra V. Singh, Sabina Leanti La Rosa, Sudha R. Somarajan, Jung Hyeob Roh, Barbara E. Murray

    Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

    35 Scopus citations

    Abstract

    EfbA is a PavA-like fibronectin adhesin of Enterococcus faecalis previously shown to be important in experimental urinary tract infection. Here, we expressed and purified the E. faecalis OG1RF EfbA and confirmed that this protein binds with high affinity to immobilized fibronectin, collagen I, and collagen V. We constructed an efbA deletion mutant and demonstrated that its virulence was significantly attenuated (P < 0.0006) versus the wild type in a mixed inoculum rat endocarditis model. Furthermore, efbA deletion resulted in diminished ability to bind fibronectin (P < 0.0001) and reduced biofilm (P < 0.001). Reintroduction of efbA into the original chromosomal location restored virulence, adherence to fibronectin, and biofilm formation to wild-type levels. Finally, vaccination of rats with purified recombinant EfbA protein protected against OG1RF endocarditis (P=0.008 versus control). Taken together, our results demonstrate that EfbA is an important factor involved in E. faecalis endocarditis and that rEfbA immunization is effective in preventing such infection, likely by interfering with bacterial adherence.

    Original languageEnglish (US)
    Pages (from-to)4487-4494
    Number of pages8
    JournalInfection and Immunity
    Volume83
    Issue number12
    DOIs
    StatePublished - 2015

    ASJC Scopus subject areas

    • Parasitology
    • Microbiology
    • Immunology
    • Infectious Diseases

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