Investigating the role of bile in the modulation of Staphylococcus aureus biofilm formation. Staphylococcus aureus

Cystic fibrosis patients frequently aspirate bile into their airways. S. aureus is a significant cause of morbidity and mortality in cystic fibrosis patients but our understanding of how host factors such as bile modulate staphylococcal persistence in situ remains in its infancy. Given the burden S. aureus places on the global health system and the need for new treatments and preventive measures, understanding the host-pathogen relationship at the molecular level is important. Thus, the main aims and objectives of this project included (i) Study the impact of bile on biofilm formation of CF isolates of S. aureus and characterise the interaction at the molecular level, (ii) Investigate the genome sequences of CF isolates of S. aureus to delineate links between genotype and phenotype.