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How intestinal bacteria cause disease
R L Guerrant1, T S Steiner, A A Lima
1Division of Geographic and International Medicine, University of Virginia School of Medicine, Charlottesville 22908, USA. rlg9a@virginia.edu
Abstract:
An improved understanding of how intestinal bacteria cause disease has become increasingly important because of the emergence of new enteric pathogens, increasing threats of drug resistance, and a growing awareness of their importance in malnutrition and diarrhea. Reviewed here are the varied ways that intestinal bacteria cause disease, which provide fundamental lessons about microbial pathogenesis as well as cell signaling. Following colonization, enteric pathogens may adhere to or invade the epithelium or may produce secretory exotoxins or cytotoxins. In addition, by direct or indirect effects, they may trigger secondary mediator release of cytokines that attract inflammatory cells, which release further products, such as prostaglandins or platelet-activating factor, which can also trigger secretion. An improved understanding of pathogenesis not only opens new approaches to treatment and control but may also suggest improved simple means of diagnosis and even vaccine development.
Insights
Understanding how intestinal bacteria cause disease is crucial due to emerging pathogens and drug resistance. This review details pathogenic mechanisms, offering insights into treatment, diagnosis, and vaccine development for enteric infections.
Area of Science:
- Microbiology
- Pathogenesis
- Cell Signaling
Background:
- Emerging enteric pathogens pose significant threats.
- Antimicrobial resistance is a growing concern.
- Intestinal bacteria play a key role in malnutrition and diarrhea.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the diverse mechanisms by which intestinal bacteria cause disease.
- To provide fundamental insights into microbial pathogenesis and host cell signaling.
- To highlight the implications for treatment, diagnosis, and vaccine development.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of established and emerging knowledge on enteric pathogen mechanisms.
- Analysis of bacterial interactions with the intestinal epithelium.
- Examination of host inflammatory responses and mediator release.
Main Results:
- Enteric pathogens employ strategies such as adherence, invasion, and toxin production (exotoxins, cytotoxins).
- Bacterial actions trigger host cytokine release, attracting inflammatory cells.
- Inflammatory cells release mediators like prostaglandins and platelet-activating factor, exacerbating disease.
Conclusions:
- Understanding bacterial pathogenesis is vital for combating enteric diseases.
- Insights gained can inform novel therapeutic strategies and control measures.
- This knowledge may facilitate the development of improved diagnostic tools and vaccines.