<i>Staphylococcus aureus</i> coagulases are exploitable yet stable public goods in clinically relevant conditions

Abstract

Significance Clotting of blood is not exclusive to host physiology; pathogens are also able to generate clots as part of their life cycle. Here, we show that coagulases, enzymes responsible for bacteria-mediated clotting, can act as public goods in clinical conditions. Coagulases, secreted by producers, generate protective layers of fibrin around the bacteria, shielding them from antimicrobials and host immune factors. Remarkably, we find that this protection is also conferred onto strains that do not produce coagulases but still benefit from those made by others. Although this is a social trait, overexploitation of coagulases does not occur due to spatial segregation and population viscosity. Our study provides a social evolution perspective on the critical role of coagulases.