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Staphylococcus aureus Growth using Human Hemoglobin as an Iron Source
06:37

Staphylococcus aureus Growth using Human Hemoglobin as an Iron Source

Published on: February 7, 2013

Iron and infection: the heart of the matter

John J Bullen1, Henry J Rogers, Paul B Spalding

  • 1The National Institute for Medical Research, Mill Hill, London. john.bullen@tiscali.fr

FEMS Immunology and Medical Microbiology
|February 15, 2005
PubMed

Insights

Natural resistance to bacterial infection relies on low iron levels. Maintaining tissue oxygenation and proper oxidation-reduction potential (Eh) and pH are crucial for these iron-binding antibacterial systems.

Area of Science:

  • Biochemistry
  • Microbiology
  • Clinical Medicine

Background:

  • Antibiotic resistance poses a significant threat to healthcare.
  • Natural immunity against bacterial infections is a vital protective mechanism.
  • Iron availability is a critical factor in the efficacy of natural antibacterial systems.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To explore the role of iron availability in natural bacterial resistance.
  • To investigate the impact of tissue oxidation-reduction potential (Eh) and pH on iron binding and antibacterial activity.
  • To evaluate hyperbaric oxygen as a therapeutic strategy for restoring natural bactericidal mechanisms.

Main Methods:

  • Analysis of iron's role in tissue fluids and its binding by transferrin and lactoferrin.
  • Examination of how tissue Eh and pH influence iron availability.
  • Assessment of bacterial virulence in relation to iron availability.
  • Consideration of hyperbaric oxygen's potential to restore tissue Eh and pH.

Main Results:

  • Bacterial resistance is dependent on maintaining extremely low levels of free ionic iron (10(-18) M).
  • Well-oxygenated tissues with controlled Eh and pH are essential for iron binding by transferrin and lactoferrin, inhibiting bacterial growth.
  • Increased iron availability, seen in conditions like ischemia or with free hemoglobin, enhances bacterial virulence and compromises host defenses.
  • Trauma-induced drops in tissue Eh and pH can lead to iron release, negating natural bactericidal properties.

Conclusions:

  • The control of free ionic iron availability through tissue oxygenation, Eh, and pH is fundamental to natural antibacterial defense.
  • Therapeutic interventions like hyperbaric oxygen may restore normal bactericidal systems by improving tissue Eh and pH, thereby controlling iron availability.

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