Resistance Against Staphyloccus aureus

Abstract

Protection against the invasiveness of Staphylococcus aureus has been sought for many decades through use of staphylococcal vaccines. The assumption has been that circulating antibodies could be called up to promote phagocytosis and killing of Staph aureus, in analogy with the effects of antibodies against streptococci and pneumococci. Results have been disappointing, for the reason that the underlying assumption is not true. Explanation lies in the peculiar immunochemistry of the surface of the staphylococcal cell. Fortunately, however, the special attributes of Staph aureus do offer promise in the guise of cell-mediated resistance. A high proportion of human subjects are colonized or infected with Staph aureus and, in consequence, have allergy, characterized by delayed-type hypersensitivity to Staph aureus. Cell-mediated resistance can be elicited by appropriate administration of staphylococcal antigens; such antigens are licensed and in use.