Neutrophil Responses to Mixed-Species Anaerobic Biofilms

Biofilms composed of anaerobic bacteria often result in persistent infections and chronic inflammation. Host immune cells have difficulties in clearing biofilm-related infections and this can result in unnecessary tissue damage due to the overproduction of proinflammatory mediators. The objective of this project was to generate mixed-species anaerobic biofilms composed of two opportunistic pathogens, Fusobacterium necrophorum and Porphyromonas levii and measure neutrophil responses. Neutrophils are a vital component of the innate immune system and the results show that neutrophils exposed to mixed-species planktonic bacteria exhibit a more extensive oxidative response than neutrophils exposed to biofilms composed of the same bacteria. The limited neutrophil response to biofilm bacteria may explain the reduced ability of the innate immune system to eradicate biofilm-associated infections. The results demonstrate that bacterial lipopolysaccharide plays a significant role in the stimulation of neutrophils, however the evidence points to the presence of other stimulatory molecules in the bacterial media.

Name thesis:degree_name

Master of Science (MSc)

Discipline thesis:degree_discipline

Biological Sciences

Grantor dc:publisher.institution

Graduate Studies

Year dc:date.issued

2015

Author dc:creator

• Lockhart, Joey Scott

Advisor dc:contributor.advisor

• Morck, Douglas

• Microbiology
• Immunology

Statement dc:rights

• University of Calgary graduate students retain copyright ownership and moral rights for their thesis. You may use this material in any way that is permitted by the Copyright Act or through licensing that has been assigned to the document. For uses that are not allowable under copyright legislation or licensing, you are required to seek permission.

Language dc:language.iso

eng

DOI

http://dx.doi.org/10.11575/PRISM/27088

OAI identifier oai:identifier

oai:ucalgary.scholaris.ca:11023/2039