Artery-hardening Bacteria Identified in Plaque
Findings published in the January 2011 issue of the Journal of Atherosclerosis and Thrombosis identified specific bacteria that may have a key role in vascular pathogenesis, specifically atherosclerosis, or hardening of the arteries. Researchers from the Department of Surgery and the Herbert Irving Comprehensive Cancer Center at Columbia University College of Dental Medicine used specimens and isolated plaques in a 78-year-old man who previously had a heart attack. The authors of the article describe processing the tissue using cell cultures and genomic analysis to look for the presence of bacteria. Taking cultures of the cells aided the isolation of the bacteria. The study found that the isolated bacteria were resistant to antibiotics. The bacteria can be internalized in white blood cells, but avoid immediate death. This can lead to problems for both patients and clinicians, including failed antibiotic treatment and atherosclerosis.
From the April 2011 Edition of AGD Impact
No comments:
Post a Comment