Key result
Staphylococcus aureus coagulases act as public goods that protect both producing and non-producing bacteria from antimicrobials and immune factors without being overexploited.
Answers are grounded in this paper and cite their sources.
May alter targeting of coagulase producers in mixed infections; leaves open clinical impact of bacterial public goods.
Significance Clotting of blood is not exclusive to host physiology; pathogens are also able to generate clots as part of their life cycle. Here, we show that coagulases, enzymes responsible for bacteria-mediated clotting, can act as public goods in clinical conditions. Coagulases, secreted by producers, generate protective layers of fibrin around the bacteria, shielding them from antimicrobials and host immune factors. Remarkably, we find that this protection is also conferred onto strains that do not produce coagulases but still benefit from those made by others. Although this is a social trait, overexploitation of coagulases does not occur due to spatial segregation and population viscosity. Our study provides a social evolution perspective on the critical role of coagulases.
No takes yet. Share an insight, caveat, or question.
Trivedi et al. (2018) studied Staphylococcus aureus infection. Staphylococcus aureus coagulases vs. Non-producing strains was evaluated on Protection from antimicrobials and host immune factors. Staphylococcus aureus coagulases act as public goods that protect both producing and non-producing bacteria from antimicrobials and immune factors without being overexploited.
Synapse has enriched 5 closely related papers on similar clinical questions. Consider them for comparative context: