Adhesion and Invasion of Human Lung Epithelial Cells by Burkholderia Pseudomallei
Abstract
Melioidosis is a potentially lethal infection that is endemic in Northern Australia and Southeast Asia. The causative bacterium, Burkholderia pseudomallei, is capable of adhering to and invading a number of mammalian cells. Lung epithelial cells are particularly susceptible following exposure by inhalation. In addition, since adhesion and subsequent invasion have been implicated as essential steps in the pathogenesis of invasive bacteria, inhibiting this mechanism may provide protection from disease. In this report we describe the development of an assay to investigate the adhesion by B. pseudomallei and subsequent invasion of human small airway epithelial cells in vitro. This assay will be used to assess the ability of specific molecules to inhibit the adhesion/invasion mechanism, thereby providing effective therapeutic measures against the infection.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Jun 01, 2004
- Accession Number
- ADA426709
Entities
People
- David Proll
- Susan Shahin
Organizations
- Defence Science and Technology Group