Capnocytophaga canimorsus: A Human Pathogen Feeding at the Surface of Epithelial Cells and Phagocytes
2008

Capnocytophaga canimorsus: A Human Pathogen Feeding on Epithelial Cells and Phagocytes

Sample size: 5 publication 10 minutes Evidence: moderate

Author Information

Author(s): Mally Manuela, Shin Hwain, Paroz Cécile, Landmann Regine, Cornelis Guy R.

Primary Institution: University of Basel

Hypothesis

Does Capnocytophaga canimorsus utilize a surface-exposed sialidase to feed on mammalian cells?

Conclusion

The study shows that Capnocytophaga canimorsus can grow and persist in mammalian tissues by feeding on glycoproteins through a surface-localized sialidase.

Supporting Evidence

  • C. canimorsus was shown to grow significantly when in contact with mammalian cells.
  • The sialidase-deficient mutant of C. canimorsus could not persist in a murine infection model.
  • Direct contact with host cells is necessary for the growth of C. canimorsus.

Takeaway

Capnocytophaga canimorsus is a bacteria that can cause serious infections in humans, and it can feed on cells in our body to survive.

Methodology

The study involved in vitro experiments with murine macrophages and human epithelial cells, as well as a murine tissue cage infection model.

Limitations

The study primarily focuses on in vitro and murine models, which may not fully represent human infections.

Statistical Information

P-Value

p<0.05

Statistical Significance

p<0.05

Digital Object Identifier (DOI)

10.1371/journal.ppat.1000164

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