The Microbiome of C. elegans Enhances Growth of S. aureus During Infection

Staphylococcus aureus is a significant human pathogen associated with a wide range of infections. The microbiome, consisting of diverse microbial communities, has been recognized as a critical factor in modulating host-pathogen interactions. This study aimed to investigate the role of the Caenorhabditis elegans microbiome in Staphylococcus aureus infection by transferring worms from the standard laboratory food source (OP50) or a microbiome sample to S. aureus cultures. Our findings revealed that the C. elegans microbiome paradoxically enhanced Staphylococcus aureus colonization, resulting in increased pathogen burden compared to worms transferred from E.coli OP50. These results underscore the importance of the microbiome in modulating host susceptibility.