The role of impaired serum bactericidal activity in chronic pseudomonas aeruginosa infection in non cystic fibrosis bronchiectasis

Whitters, Deborah (2018). The role of impaired serum bactericidal activity in chronic pseudomonas aeruginosa infection in non cystic fibrosis bronchiectasis. University of Birmingham. M.D.

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Abstract

Non Cystic Fibrosis bronchiectasis is characterised by perpetual neutrophilic inflammation in the lungs. The ongoing vicious cycle of bronchiectasis leads to further damage to already damaged airways and is a culmination of repeated infection, inflammation and failure of the host response to maintain sterility of the airway, despite a sophisticated innate and adaptive immune system.

Pseudomonas aeruginosa commonly colonises the lungs of patients with bronchiectasis. I hypothesised that the concept of inhibitory antibodies in the serum may be a feature of Pseudomonas aeruginosa colonisation through a specific interaction between the host adaptive immune system and strain specific features.

Here I have identified a mechanism where some patients colonised with Pseudomonas aeruginosa produce IgG2 antibodies specifically against the O antigen of bacterial LPS, which rather than promote complement-mediated killing actually inhibits it.

Type of Work:

Thesis (Higher Doctorates > M.D.)

Award Type:

Higher Doctorates > M.D.

Supervisor(s):