Pathogenesis of pneumococcal infection

EI Tuomanen, R Austrian… - New England Journal of …, 1995 - Mass Medical Soc
EI Tuomanen, R Austrian, HR Masure
New England Journal of Medicine, 1995Mass Medical Soc
The study of Streptococcus pneumoniae has led to many insights into the pathogenesis of
bacterial infections. The importance of the polysaccharide capsule of the organism in
determining its virulence was indicated by studies of the protective role of anticapsular
antibodies. 1–3 Of comparable importance was the observation that noncapsulated
pneumococci caused progressive disease in rabbits with agranulocytosis, demonstrating
thereby the pathogenic properties of the pneumococcal soma. 4 Investigation of the …
The study of Streptococcus pneumoniae has led to many insights into the pathogenesis of bacterial infections. The importance of the polysaccharide capsule of the organism in determining its virulence was indicated by studies of the protective role of anticapsular antibodies.13 Of comparable importance was the observation that noncapsulated pneumococci caused progressive disease in rabbits with agranulocytosis, demonstrating thereby the pathogenic properties of the pneumococcal soma.4 Investigation of the pathologic events in pneumococcal infection led to the discovery of DNA,2,3 the development of the first bacterial polysaccharide vaccine,5 and insights into the mechanism of action of penicillin,6 antibiotic tolerance, . . .
The New England Journal Of Medicine