What adhesins of Staphylococcus aureus have been studied in relation to endocarditis pathogenesis?
Adhesins of S aureus, which have been referred to as MSCRAMMs (microbial surface components recognizing adhesive matrix molecules), have been studied in relation to endocarditis pathogenesis. These interactions with host proteins not only may be important in the initial adherence of bacteria to a site of endothelial damage but also may be operative in bacterial persistence and engulfment by the host cell (endothelial cells, platelets).