Influence of the accessory gene regulator (agr) of Staphylococcus aureus on nasal colonisation and abscess formation

The accessory gene regulator (agr) is a major virulence regulator of Staphylococcus aureus, modulating bacterial virulence factor expression by secretion of auto-inducing peptides (AIPs). In in vitro models and subsequent in vivo rabbit models, the influence of agr expression in S. aureus on nasal colonisation and abscess formation will be evaluated, using an AIP agonist and antagonist.