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Published on: January 6, 2011

Models of infection before and after stroke: investigating new targets

Odilo Engel1, Andreas Meisel

  • 1Department for Experimental Neurology, Charité Berlin, Germany. odilo.engel@charite.de

Infectious Disorders Drug Targets
|February 20, 2010
PubMed

Insights

Infections commonly complicate cerebral ischemia (stroke), worsening outcomes. Research models are crucial for understanding the link between stroke and infection, paving the way for new treatments.

Area of Science:

  • Neurology
  • Infectious Diseases
  • Immunology

Background:

  • Infectious diseases, particularly pneumonia and urinary tract infections, are frequent complications post-cerebral ischemia.
  • A secondary immunosuppressive state following stroke increases susceptibility to infections.
  • Infections impact stroke outcomes and are also recognized as stroke risk factors.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the intricate relationship between infections and stroke.
  • To highlight the need for robust experimental models to study this connection.
  • To explore therapeutic strategies for managing post-stroke infections.

Main Methods:

  • Utilizing experimental models of post-stroke infection.
  • Reviewing existing models that examine the impact of preceding infections on stroke.
  • Analyzing the immunological mechanisms underlying post-stroke infections.

Main Results:

  • Experimental models demonstrate that infections significantly impair neurological and general medical outcomes after stroke.
  • Evidence suggests a transient immunosuppression post-stroke contributes to infection risk.
  • Preceding infections may also influence stroke incidence and severity.

Conclusions:

  • Understanding the mechanisms linking stroke and infection is critical for improving patient outcomes.
  • Development of effective therapeutic strategies requires further research using suitable experimental models.
  • Addressing infectious complications is essential for comprehensive stroke care.

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