A new study explains how a bacteria can cause necrotizing fasciitis, a phenomenon better known as the “flesh-eating” bacteria. The latter would divert the attention of neurons so as not to be detected by the immune system.
Last year in Australia, 286 people were diagnosed with Buruli ulcer, caused by bacteria that destroys the skin and soft tissues. This year in the United States, a 26-year-old young man had his foot amputated because of a “flesh-eating” bacteria.
This phenomenon, called necrotizing fasciitis, is rare. Each year in the United States, 1,200 people are affected, and 200,000 all over the world. But the effects can be devastating, as for this Canadian woman who had to undergo a triple amputation. The bacteria concerned can be group A streptococcus, klebsiel, Clostridia, Escherichia coli, Mycobacterium ulcerans or even Staphylococcus aureus. Researchers have looked at group A streptococci, associated with angina. A strain of this bacteria, if it gets into the muscles, can become “flesh-eating” with fatal risks.
The attention of neurons diverted
This bacteria manages to remain undetectable in the body. The researchers found that, in fact, it was able to divert the attention of neurons in order to control what information is sent to the immune system. Thus, the bacteria remain hidden. The results of their study are published in the journal Cell.
“Necrotizing fasciitis is a devastating disease that remains extremely difficult to treat and has an unacceptable death rate,” said Isaac Chiu, one of the study’s authors. Indeed, the mortality rate would be 30%. He continues, “Our results reveal a surprising new role for neurons in the development of this disease and point to promising countermeasures that merit further exploration.”
One of these promising countermeasures that they have been able to experience is to block this immunosuppressive activity. A technique that has been proven in mice by preventing the spread of bacteria. An interesting avenue for finding a future treatment.
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