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Novel bacterial structures in human blood: cultural isolation
Infection and Immunity
|February 1, 1977
Summary
Researchers found evidence of a novel bacterial system in human blood using special filtration and culture methods. This system, observed in diseased and some normal individuals, suggests bacteria may adapt to survive within the bloodstream.
Area of Science:
- Bacteriology
- Microbiology
- Human Physiology
Background:
- Conventional blood cultures are typically negative for bacterial growth.
- Previous research has not identified this specific bacteriological system in human blood.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the potential existence of a novel bacteriological system within human blood.
- To characterize the morphology and prevalence of microorganisms detected in filtered blood samples.
Main Methods:
- Human blood samples were osmotically lysed and filtered using 0.22-micron membrane filters.
- Filtrates were cultured in specialized media to observe bacterial growth.
- Microscopic examination was performed to identify "dense bodies" and bacterial forms.
Main Results:
- Bacteria, resembling streptococcal, staphylococcal, and gram-positive filamentous forms, grew in 71% of samples from diseased individuals and 7% from normal individuals.
- Microscopic "dense bodies" were observed before bacterial appearance and disappeared upon bacterial growth.
- Standard cultures of unlysed blood remained negative.
Conclusions:
- The findings suggest a novel bacteriological system present in human blood.
- These organisms may represent bacteria adapted to an intracellular or blood-borne existence.
- Further research is warranted to elucidate the nature and implications of this system.