Small Colony Variants – The Cause Of Chronic Infections

Abstract Some microorganisms are characterised by the ability to create specific morphological varieties called Small Colony Variants (SCVs). This characteristic was noted, among others, in Gram-positive cocci, mainly staphylococci, but also Gram-negative bacilli. The properties of that differentiate them from wild-type colonies (mainly their small size) facilitate intracellular survival (e.g. epithelial or endothelial cells) as a result which they can escape host immune response. In this way, SCV forms avoid effects complement components antibodies. They resistance antibiotics, aminoglycoside combination drugs, such trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole. above features, important clinical point view, namely size and antibiotic resistance, make one main causes chronic, latent recurrent infections difficult not only diagnose, treat. According literature, various be isolated systemic organs therefore different materials blood, bones, soft tissues). Staphylococcus aureus often patients with cystic fibrosis osteomyelitis. paper presents characteristics relevance unique form bacteria.