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Microbial pathogens with impaired ability to acquire host iron
1Department of Biology and Program in Medical Sciences, Indiana University, Bloomington 47405, USA. eweinber@indiana.edu
Abstract:
Successful microbial pathogens must be adept in obtaining growth-essential iron from healthy hosts. Some potential pathogens, however, are sufficiently impaired in iron acquisition ability so as to be dangerous mainly in hosts with such iron loading conditions as alcoholism, asplenia, hemochromatosis, beta-thalassemia major, or tobacco smoking. The association of six impaired pathogens (Capnocytophaga canimorsis, Yersinia enterocolitica and Y. pseudotuberculosis, Vibrio vulnificus, Tropheryma whippelii, and Legionella pneumophila) with iron loaded humans is described.
Insights
Certain pathogens struggle to acquire iron from healthy hosts, making them dangerous for individuals with iron overload conditions like alcoholism or beta-thalassemia major. This study details six such impaired pathogens and their link to iron-loaded humans.
Area of Science:
- Microbiology
- Infectious Diseases
- Human Physiology
Background:
- Microbial pathogens require iron for growth.
- Iron acquisition is a critical virulence factor for pathogens.
- Some pathogens have impaired iron uptake mechanisms.
Purpose of the Study:
- To describe the association between specific impaired pathogens and individuals with iron-loading conditions.
- To highlight pathogens that pose a greater risk to immunocompromised or iron-overloaded hosts.
Main Methods:
- Literature review and case study analysis.
- Identification of pathogens with known iron acquisition deficiencies.
- Correlation analysis between pathogen presence and host iron status.
Main Results:
- Six pathogens (Capnocytophaga canimorsis, Yersinia enterocolitica, Yersinia pseudotuberculosis, Vibrio vulnificus, Tropheryma whippelii, Legionella pneumophila) are associated with iron-loaded individuals.
- Impaired iron acquisition limits pathogen success in healthy hosts.
- Iron overload conditions exacerbate infections caused by these pathogens.
Conclusions:
- Host iron status significantly influences the pathogenicity of certain microbes.
- Individuals with conditions like alcoholism, asplenia, hemochromatosis, beta-thalassemia major, and tobacco use are at higher risk from these specific pathogens.
- Understanding pathogen iron acquisition is crucial for targeted therapies and risk assessment.