1. (Malthusians Parameters) (Malthusians Parameters)
Relative Fitness
6-24 hrs B
(Malthusians Parameters)
Relative Fitness
0-6 hrs C
Fig. 3: Mupirocin resistance affects the relative fitness of S. aureus. A: the effect of mupR on the relative fitness of S. aureus was determined in strains with and without a functioning Agr system by direct competition in TSB. The mupR mutation had no effect on relative fitness in the Agr+ background, but in the absence of Agr, the mupR strain was less fit. Control competitions of an agr+ Vs an agr- strain has been provided. B: The effect of mupR on relative fitness was determined by individual culture in a nutrient poor environment (0.1X TSB) supplemented with 5% horse blood. At the early stages of growth (0-6hrs) the mupS strain was more fit than both the agr- and mupR strains. Whereas between 6 and 24hr when the nutrients in the TSB were depleted and cell lysis became necessary, the mupS strains was relatively more fit than both the agr- and mupR strains. C: After 24hrs of growth in the 0.1 X TSB + 5% horse blood medium the Agr+ strain releases more haem into the supernatant relative to the Agr- and mupR strains.