The ability of S. aureus to adhere to the mammary gland epithelium is considered to be a major virulence factor influencing its pathogenesis in mastitis. This feature enables tissue colonization and development of subsequent stages of infection. The adhesion of S. aureus to epithelial cells may involve non-specific physicochemical interactions and specific interaction between cell-associated ligands and host cell receptors. A major role in adhesion is played by extracelullar proteins such as fibronectin binding protein and exopolysaccharides. The structure of the exopolysaccharides varies with the strains of S. aureus and may be slime, microcapsule or capsule. Slime production enables adhesion to the epithelial cells and leads to biofilm formation. Biofilm formation by S. aureus helps the bacterium to survive hostile environments within the host and is considered to be responsible for chronic infections, also lowering susceptibility to antibiotics.
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