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Role of oxidants in microbial pathophysiology
1Department of Internal Medicine, Veterans Administration Medical Center, Iowa City, Iowa, USA.
Clinical Microbiology Reviews
|January 1, 1997
Summary
Reactive oxidant species are key players in host-microbe interactions. Both hosts and microbes use complex systems to manage these damaging compounds during infection and defense.
Area of Science:
- Microbiology
- Immunology
- Biochemistry
Background:
- Reactive oxidant species (ROS) are central to host-pathogen interactions.
- ROS, including superoxide and nitric oxide, cause significant biomolecular damage.
- Both hosts and microorganisms possess defense mechanisms against ROS.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the formation and role of reactive oxidant species in vivo.
- To elucidate the mechanisms of ROS in microbial invasion and host defense.
- To discuss adaptive strategies against oxidant-mediated damage.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of in vivo studies on reactive oxidant species.
- Analysis of enzymatic and nonenzymatic oxidant-scavenging systems.
- Discussion of the interplay between microbial ROS production and host immune responses.
Main Results:
- ROS are produced by both hosts (e.g., phagocytes) and microorganisms.
- ROS contribute to microbial survival and host defense mechanisms.
- ROS also mediate inflammatory tissue injury during infection.
Conclusions:
- Reactive oxidant species play a dual role in host-microbe interactions, facilitating both defense and damage.
- Understanding ROS formation and scavenging is crucial for comprehending infection dynamics.
- Adaptive mechanisms are essential for both host and pathogen survival in the face of oxidative stress.