Pathogens, Free Full-Text

Staphylococcus aureus causes many types of infections, ranging from self-resolving skin infections to severe or fatal pneumonia. Human innate immune cells, called polymorphonuclear leukocytes (PMNs or neutrophils), are essential for defense against S. aureus infections. Neutrophils are the most prominent cell type of the innate immune system and are capable of producing non-specific antimicrobial molecules that are effective at eliminating bacteria. Although significant progress has been made over the past few decades, our knowledge of S. aureus-host innate immune system interactions is incomplete. Most notably, S. aureus has the capacity to produce numerous molecules that are directed to protect the bacterium from neutrophils. Here we review in brief the role played by neutrophils in defense against S. aureus infection, and correspondingly, highlight selected S. aureus molecules that target key neutrophil functions.

Pathogens, Free Full-Text

Evolution of pathogen tolerance and emerging infections: A missing experimental paradigm

Microbial Minimalism: Genome Reduction in Bacterial Pathogens - ScienceDirect

Sensitive detection of a bacterial pathogen using allosteric probe-initiated catalysis and CRISPR-Cas13a amplification reaction

Study shows diverse gut bacteria communities protect against harmful pathogens by nutrient blocking

Macrophages: What are they and how do they kill bacteria? - BBC Science Focus Magazine

Pathogens and Immunity

Impedance-Based Detection of Bacteria

Effect of sequential UV/free chlorine disinfection on opportunistic pathogens and microbial community structure in simulated drinking water distribution systems - ScienceDirect

Southeastern Naturalist, Volume 15, Number 1 (2016): N4–N6