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Implementation of a Permeable Membrane Insert-based Infection System to Study the Effects of Secreted Bacterial Toxins on Mammalian Host Cells
Published on: August 19, 2016
Immunopathogenesis of streptococcal deep tissue infections
Linda Johansson1, Anna Norrby-Teglund
1Karolinska Institutet, Center for Infectious Medicine, F59, Karolinska University Hospital Huddinge, S-141 86 Stockholm, Sweden. Linda.Johansson.2@ki.se
Streptococcus pyogenes causes severe tissue infections like necrotizing fasciitis. This review explores bacterial virulence factors and host immune responses contributing to these complex, life-threatening S. pyogenes infections.
Area of Science:
- Microbiology
- Pathogenesis
- Immunology
Background:
- Streptococcus pyogenes is a significant human pathogen.
- It causes diverse infections, from superficial to life-threatening deep tissue diseases like necrotizing fasciitis.
- Infection pathogenesis is complex, involving multiple bacterial virulence factors.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review epidemiologic, pathogenomic, and pathogenesis data on S. pyogenes tissue infections.
- To elucidate host-pathogen interactions in these infections.
- To highlight factors contributing to S. pyogenes-induced tissue pathology.
Main Methods:
- Review of existing literature.
- Analysis of epidemiologic data.
- Examination of pathogenomic and pathogenesis studies.
- Focus on in vivo findings from patient studies.
Main Results:
- S. pyogenes employs tissue-specific types and immune evasion strategies, like intracellular persistence.
- These lead to high bacterial loads and hyperinflammatory responses.
- Host and bacterial factors at the infection site are crucial.
Conclusions:
- Understanding S. pyogenes virulence factors and host responses is key to combating severe infections.
- In vivo findings offer critical insights into disease mechanisms.
- Further research into host-pathogen interactions can guide therapeutic strategies.
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