Modelling host tissue degradation by extracellular bacterial pathogens.

J R King; A J Koerber; J M Croft; J P Ward; P Williams; R E Sockett

doi:10.1093/imammb/20.3.227

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Modelling host tissue degradation by extracellular bacterial pathogens.

J R King·A J Koerber·J M Croft·J P Ward·P Williams·R E Sockett

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Abstract

Extracellular bacterial pathogens such as Pseudomonas aeruginosa are able to penetrate into host tissues (given an initial breech in the outer barrier, e.g. a wound) through the action of exo-toxins and degradative exo-enzymes. A mathematical model of this process is presented which, in the absence of significant immune response, predicts the progression of the bacteria into the tissue as a travelling wave whose velocity can be determined explicitly in terms of the model parameters. Simple in vitro experiments in protein-based matrices are performed which yield results consistent with this behaviour. A complementary in vitro experimental system with distinct qualitative behaviour is also studied, giving further insight and confidence in the modelling approach.

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Agar Bacteria Bacterial Infections Extracellular Matrix Gelatin Humans In Vitro Techniques Mathematics Models, Biological Pseudomonas Infections Pseudomonas aeruginosa Wound Infection Journal Article Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

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J R King, A J Koerber, J M Croft, J P Ward, P Williams, R E Sockett. 2003. Modelling host tissue degradation by extracellular bacterial pathogens.. https://doi.org/10.1093/imammb%2F20.3.227

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