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Invasion of Human Cells by a Bacterial Pathogen
07:15

Invasion of Human Cells by a Bacterial Pathogen

Published on: March 21, 2011

Sporadic invasion of cultured epithelial cells by Haemophilus influenzae type b

P D Johnson1, F Oppedisano, V Bennett-Wood

  • 1Department of Microbiology and Infectious Diseases, Royal Children's Hospital, Parkville, Victoria, Australia.

Infection and Immunity
|March 1, 1996
PubMed

Insights

Haemophilus influenzae type b bacteria can become highly invasive, a trait not affected by certain drugs but dependent on CO2 levels. This sporadic invasiveness may be linked to the causes of H. influenzae type b bacteremia.

Area of Science:

  • Microbiology
  • Infectious Diseases
  • Cell Biology

Background:

  • Haemophilus influenzae type b (Hib) is a significant pathogen.
  • Understanding Hib invasiveness is crucial for preventing bacteremia.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the factors influencing sporadic highly invasive behavior of Hib.
  • To explore potential correlations between invasiveness and bacteremia preceding events.

Main Methods:

  • Utilized an in vitro invasion assay.
  • Tested the effects of colchicine and cytochalasin on bacterial invasion.
  • Assessed the impact of supplemental carbon dioxide (CO2) on invasion.

Main Results:

  • Observed occasional, highly invasive behavior in Hib.
  • Invasiveness was not inhibited by colchicine or cytochalasin.
  • Supplemental CO2 was found to be essential for this invasive behavior.

Conclusions:

  • Sporadic invasiveness of Hib is a CO2-dependent phenomenon.
  • This observed invasiveness may be related to unknown events preceding Hib bacteremia.

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