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Molecular and cellular basis of bartonella pathogenesis
1Division of Molecular Microbiology, Biozentrum, University of Basel, 4056 Basel, Switzerland. christoph.dehio@unibas.ch.
Annual Review of Microbiology
|October 19, 2004
Summary
Bartonella bacteria cause various diseases by infecting host cells. This review explores Bartonella-host interactions, bacterial virulence, and persistence mechanisms, highlighting key research questions.
Area of Science:
- Microbiology
- Infectious Diseases
- Cell Biology
Background:
- The genus Bartonella includes significant human pathogens responsible for diverse clinical conditions such as cat-scratch disease and endocarditis.
- Bartonellae are transmitted by arthropods and interact specifically with host endothelial cells and erythrocytes.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review current knowledge on Bartonella-host cell interactions.
- To elucidate the molecular mechanisms underlying Bartonella virulence and persistence.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of studies on Bartonella pathogenesis.
- Analysis of molecular mechanisms of bacterial invasion and intracellular colonization.
- Examination of host cell subversion by Bartonella.
Main Results:
- Bartonella species exhibit specific erythrocyte colonization in reservoir hosts but target endothelial cells broadly.
- Bartonellae manipulate endothelial cell functions, leading to invasion, inflammation, suppressed apoptosis, and proliferation.
- These interactions can result in vasoproliferative tumor formation.
Conclusions:
- Understanding Bartonella-host interactions is crucial for addressing diseases caused by these pathogens.
- Further research is needed to resolve current controversies and answer outstanding questions regarding Bartonella virulence and persistence.