Calcium enhances whooping cough infectionAlbumin, in the Presence of Calcium, Elicits a Massive Increase in Extracellular Bordetella Adenylate Cyclase Toxin.
In our investigation, we explored the effects of calcium, particularly when paired with albumin, on the production of a crucial toxin linked to whooping cough, known as adenylate cyclase toxin (ACT). This toxin plays a significant role in the ability of the bacteria to establish an infection.
We observed that when the bacteria responsible for whooping cough were grown in a serum-rich environment, a clear increase in ACT levels was noted. Interestingly, the combination of albumin and physiological levels of calcium appeared to be essential in enhancing the amount of ACT and its release into the surrounding environment.
This increase was also seen in respiratory secretions, which naturally contain albumin, mimicking the effects we noted with serum. Importantly, we determined that the observed increase in ACT was not due to changes in the bacteria's genetic regulation or a specific protein activation process, suggesting a unique interaction between the bacteria and components found in the host's environment.
Overall, our findings highlight this albumin and calcium interaction as a significant aspect of how the body’s biological environment influences whooping cough infection dynamics. Further research could shed light on potential therapeutic approaches considering this novel interaction.
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