The cell-associated or extracellular proteomes of two strains of S. aureus were compared.
The virulent strain produced more potential virulence factors in both proteomes, including fibronecin-binding protein.
The virulent strain was able to bind to ligands of these adhesins in greater numbers than the less virulent strain.
The differences in proteomes of strains of S. aureus correlate to different degrees of virulence in corneal infections.