Role of iron in experimental Mycobacterium avium infection

• Type: Article in International Scientific Journal
• Date: 2001

Authors

Gomes, MS (Author) ICBAS; Boelaert, JR (Author) Other; Appelberg, R (Author) ICBAS

Journal

Title: Journal of Clinical Virology

Vol. 20

Pages: 117-122

ISSN: 1386-6532

Publisher: Elsevier

Indexing

ISI Web of Knowledge - 38 Citations

Scopus - 41 Citations

Pubmed / Medline

Scientific classification

FOS: Natural sciences > Biological sciences

CORDIS: Health sciences > Medical sciences > Medicine > Infections

Other information

Authenticus ID: P-000-WH9

DOI: 10.1016/s1386-6532(00)00135-9

Abstract (EN): Background: Acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) patients exhibit alterations in the metabolism of iron that lead to increased deposition of this element in the tissues. Such alterations may underlie an increased susceptibility of AIDS patients to mycobacterial infections, namely by Mycobacterium avium. Objectives: The understanding of the role of iron metabolism during M. avium infections in mouse models may allow the design of new therapies based on the manipulation of iron stores. Study design: In vitro macrophage cultures and in vivo mouse studies of iron depletion and iron overload are used to assess mycobacterial multiplication and testing of the efficacy of iron depletion strategies such as the use of iron chelators. Results and conclusions: The levels of iron loading of macrophages in vitro or in vivo affect the growth of M. avium. The currently available iron chelators have poor efficacy in depleting the macrophage iron stores and, therefore, have a poor impact on the infection. Therefore, newer drugs are required that may be used in the context of in vivo infections such as in the case of affected AIDS patients.

Language: English

Type (Professor's evaluation): Scientific

No. of pages: 6