Staphylococcus aureus capsule and slime as virulence factors in ruminant mastitis. A review.

Staphylococcus aureus is one of the most prevalent causes of ruminant mastitis. The interaction of this microorganism with the host is strongly dependent on its cell surface properties, specially concerning the presence of the exopolysaccharide-containing outer layers (glycocalyx), which appear to play an important role in virulence. In this article, the definition and recognition of the types of exopolysaccharide layers are described, together with their likely role in the pathogenesis of mastitis.