Prophages

F. Laurent, PU-PH / C. Kolenda, PHU / F. Laumay, MCU

During the last few decades, different lineages with high epidemiological success have been described in several staphylococcal species (S. aureus CC398; S. capitis NRCS-A; S. haemolyticus ST29 and ST25; S. epidermidis ST2 and ST5) that are associated with the presence or the acquisition of mobile genetic elements (MGEs), in particular prophages. However, their direct relationship and impact as well as the underlying mechanisms involved remain poorly understood.

In close collaboration with the National Reference Center for Staphyloccoci (CNR Staph), our objectives are:

• To map the MGE/prophage content of emerging and successful staphylococcal (aureus/non-aureus) lineages
• To construct model strains with or without these elements for investigating their phenotypic impact on virulence and the pathways involved
• To assess the transmission potential of prophages and the molecular mechanisms involved
• To determine their impact on antibiotic susceptibility and virulent phages

                     Collaborators     

• Dr P. François, Université de Genève                                                               
• Dr N. van der Mee-Marquet, CHRU - Tours                                                                    
• Platforme genEPII, Hospices Civils de Lyon