PubMed · 16831215
Clostridium difficile lacks detectable superantigen activity.
Abstract
Clostridium difficile colitis causes striking leukocytosis. We examined the possibility that toxins A or B, or other nontoxin products of C. difficile, act as superantigens, thereby stimulating leukocytosis. Our results failed to show major histocompatibility complex class II-dependent T lymphocyte proliferation, the hallmark of superantigen activity. Elevated white blood cell counts in C. difficile colitis are probably due to increased generation of cytokines such as interleukin-6 (IL-6) or IL-8.
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Anna Wanahita, Beckley Davis, Richard J Hamill, Elizabeth A Goldsmith, John R Rodgers, Richard G Cook, James G Lamphear, Daniel M Musher. 2006. Clostridium difficile lacks detectable superantigen activity.. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1574-695x.2006.00089.x
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