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Molecular and genetic analysis of iron uptake proteins in the brazilian purpuric fever clone of Haemophilus influenzae biogroup aegyptius.

Authors :
Smoot LM
Bell EC
Paz RL
Corbin KA
Hall DD
Steenbergen JN
Harner AC
Actis LA
Source :
Frontiers in bioscience : a journal and virtual library [Front Biosci] 1998 Sep 01; Vol. 3, pp. D989-96. Date of Electronic Publication: 1998 Sep 01.
Publication Year :
1998

Abstract

Haemophilus influenzae biogroup aegyptius (H. aegyptius) is the etiological agent of Brazilian purpuric fever (BPF), a recently described pediatric disease that is often fatal. The vascular destruction that occurs in this disease is a distinctive trait, and little is known about the mechanism(s) of the overwhelming purpura fulminans that causes the high mortality associated with this pediatric infection. Iron is an essential micronutrient for nearly all living cells, and the mechanisms used by bacteria to acquire and internalize iron are often associated with virulence. Therefore, the focus of our studies is the molecular characterization of the iron uptake system used by H. aegyptius. Specifically, we are investigating the high-affinity transferrin binding proteins in the bacterial outer membrane, components of ABC transporter systems, and a possible regulatory mechanism for the genes encoding these proteins. A detailed understanding of the molecular nature of the regulatory genetic components and proteins involved in the acquisition of iron will broaden the knowledge of the pathogenesis of the disease caused by H. aegyptius and will also lead to a better understanding of the nature of other infections that affect the vascular system.

Details

Language :
English
ISSN :
1093-9946
Volume :
3
Database :
MEDLINE
Journal :
Frontiers in bioscience : a journal and virtual library
Publication Type :
Academic Journal
Accession number :
9727086
Full Text :
https://doi.org/10.2741/a339