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Microbes and sequestered substances as mechanisms for disease: Bartonella and L-forms as common global etiological
F H Sood1, D S Khatpe, M S Chaudhari
1faith@giaspn01.vsnl.net.in
Abstract:
The pathogenicity of microbes may be determined by substances sequestered from blood and bound to their constituent lipid. The brain may not perceive substances sequestered by microbes, to interfere with control to maintain normal levels. Pathological conditions can be induced as organisms exposed to antimicrobial substances/conditions and/or deprived of nutrients essential to cell wall synthesis, disintegrate to free lipid-bound compounds and produce L-forms that can deplete nutrients as they revert to bacteria. Microbes may act as active carriers for the continuing interaction of sequestered substances. Changes in the molecular structure of substances effected during sequesteration could cause them to be seen as substances 'synthesized' by an organism. In media that contain substances to inhibit 'contaminants', L-forms can be seen as mycoplasma. Elementary bodies of L-forms with a specific substance or tissue affinity may be seen as 'receptors'. Bartonella are global agents for disease--pleomorphic organisms (description suits Proteus)--and they can be seen as 'contaminants'.
Insights
Microbes can cause disease by sequestering blood substances, potentially forming L-forms that deplete nutrients. These altered microbial forms may be misidentified, impacting disease understanding and treatment.
Area of Science:
- Microbiology
- Pathogenesis
- Molecular Biology
Background:
- Microbial pathogenicity is linked to substances sequestered from host blood and bound to microbial lipids.
- The brain's perception of these sequestered substances may be altered, disrupting homeostatic control.
- Pathological conditions arise when microbes, under antimicrobial stress or nutrient deprivation, release lipid-bound compounds and form L-forms, which can deplete essential nutrients.
Purpose of the Study:
- To explore the role of sequestered substances in microbial pathogenicity.
- To investigate the formation and implications of microbial L-forms.
- To understand how microbial interactions and transformations contribute to disease.
Main Methods:
- Analysis of microbial-host interactions involving sequestered substances.
- Observation of microbial L-form development under specific conditions (e.g., antimicrobial exposure, nutrient deprivation).
- Molecular analysis of altered substances due to sequestration and microbial transformation.
Main Results:
- Microbes act as active carriers for sequestered substances, facilitating ongoing interactions.
- Changes in molecular structure of sequestered substances can lead to misinterpretation as self-synthesized compounds.
- L-forms, particularly in the presence of inhibitory media, can mimic other microorganisms like mycoplasma and present elementary bodies resembling receptors.
Conclusions:
- Microbial sequestration of host substances is a key pathogenic mechanism.
- Microbial L-forms represent a significant stage in pathogenesis, capable of nutrient depletion and mimicry.
- Certain pleomorphic bacteria, such as Bartonella, may be misidentified as contaminants due to their characteristics and interactions.