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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 availability and infection

Eugene D Weinberg1

  • 1Department of Biology and Program in Medical Sciences Indiana University, Bloomington, Indiana, IN 47405 USA. eweinber@indiana.edu

Biochimica Et Biophysica Acta
|August 5, 2008
PubMed
Abstract

Insights

Pathogens need host iron to infect, but hosts have defenses. Understanding microbial iron acquisition and host defenses can reduce antibiotic reliance.

Area of Science:

  • Microbiology
  • Immunology
  • Pathogenesis

Background:

  • Microbial pathogens, including bacteria, fungi, and protozoa, require a constant supply of host iron to establish and maintain infections.
  • Iron is a critical nutrient for the survival and proliferation of many pathogenic microorganisms.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review the mechanisms of microbial iron acquisition.
  • To explore host iron withholding strategies against microbial invasion.
  • To discuss alternative strategies to antibiotic use for controlling microbial infections.

Main Methods:

  • This study is based on a comprehensive literature review.

Main Results:

  • Microbial iron acquisition mechanisms dictate the host cell, tissue, and organism tropism of pathogens.
  • Host organisms have evolved sophisticated iron withholding mechanisms to limit pathogen growth and prevent infections.

Conclusions:

  • Developing pharmaceutical agents that block microbial iron access can be an alternative to antibiotics.
  • Promoting environmental and behavioral practices that limit iron loading in hosts may reduce susceptibility to infections.

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