Staphylococcus aureus is an important human pathogen responsible for a wide range of infections, from minor skin diseases to severe systemic conditions such as sepsis, endocarditis, pneumonia, and toxic shock syndrome. The pathogenic potential of S. aureus is mainly attributed to its diverse virulence factors, including surface adhesins, enzymes, toxins, immune evasion mechanisms, and biofilm-forming ability. These virulence determinants enable the bacterium to adhere to host tissues, invade cells, evade immune responses, and persist in hostile environments. In addition, the emergence of antibiotic-resistant strains, particularly methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA), has increased the complexity of treatment and disease management. Biofilm formation further contributes to chronic and device-associated infections by enhancing bacterial survival and antibiotic tolerance. This review summarizes the major virulence factors of Staphylococcus aureus and explains their roles in disease pathogenesis. It also highlights the clinical significance of these factors in toxin-mediated diseases, invasive infections, and antibiotic resistance. Understanding the mechanisms of virulence is essential for developing new diagnostic tools, targeted therapies, vaccines, and anti-virulence strategies to combat staphylococcal infections.
A. Manisha*1, S. Senthil Kumar2, Dr. M. Ranjith2, S. Jayaseelan1, S. Sivadharshini1 (Mon,) studied this question.