Bench-to-bedside review: Bacterial virulence and subversion of host defences.
Bacterial pathogens possess an array of specific mechanisms that confer virulence and the capacity to avoid host defence mechanisms. Mechanisms of virulence are often mediated by the subversion of normal aspects of host biology. In this way the pathogen modifies host function so as to promote the pathogen's survival or proliferation. Such subversion is often mediated by the specific interaction of bacterial effector molecules with host encoded proteins and other molecules. The importance of these mechanisms for bacterial pathogens that cause infections leading to severe community-acquired infections is well established. In contrast, the importance of specialised mechanisms of virulence in the genesis of nosocomial bacterial infections, which occur in the context of local or systemic defects in host immune defences, is less well established. Specific mechanisms of bacterial resistance to host immunity might represent targets for therapeutic intervention. The clinical utility of such an approach for either prevention or treatment of bacterial infection, however, has not been determined.
Webb
Steven A R
SA
School of Medicine and Pharmacology and School of Population Health, University of Western Australia, Intensive Care Unit, Royal Perth Hospital, Wellington Street, Perth, Western Australia 6000, Australia. steve.webb@uwa.edu.au
Kahler
Charlene M
CM
D001419:Bacteria / Q000472:pathogenicity*; D003422:Critical Care; D003428:Cross Infection; D054884:Host-Pathogen Interactions / Q000276:immunology*; D006801:Humans; D007362:Intensive Care Units; D014774:Virulence