Now, a rare pathogen can now infect even the healthiest person

A recent study showed that a rare pathogen known as Cryptococcus gattii poses the potential to infect even the healthiest person. This is due to a unique evolutionary trait of this pathogen that inf

Editorial Team | Published: October 19, 2014 4:02 pm

A recent study showed that a rare pathogen known as Cryptococcus gattii poses the potential to infect even the healthiest person. This is due to a unique evolutionary trait of this pathogen that infects the host through one that neutralises the body’s immune response against it. Scientists at the University of Birmingham have explained how this pathogen responds to the human immune response and triggers a ‘division of labour’ in its invading cells, which can lead to life-threatening infections. (Read: Exposure to pathogen could lead to type 1 diabetes!)

The pathogen, once inhaled, can spread through the body to cause pneumonia or meningitis, the study showed. ‘By understanding how this particular lineage behaves once in the body, we have provided an insight into the key mystery of why it is virulent in immunocompetent people – that is those with a strong immune system,’ said professor Robin May from the University of Birmingham. (Read: 5 amazing tips to improve your immunity)

When invaded by an outbreak strain, the host body creates reactive oxygen species (ROS) which form an essential part of the antimicrobial defence in mammals. ROS works to prevent the spread of harmful pathogens by cleansing the body of invasive cells. A strong ROS reaction usually makes people less susceptible to infections, but in the case of Cryptococcus gattii just the opposite is true as the fungus uses this reaction to its own benefit. (Read: Natural remedies to boost your immune system)

The pathogen uses the release of ROS as a signal to trigger a ‘division of labour’ in the intracellular fungal population, showed the study. ‘Cryptococcus gattii displays unique traits and has adapted to new environments in such a way that it presents us with a chance to make huge strides in understanding how these pathogens operate and, hopefully, make sure we are a well prepared to deal with future outbreaks,’ concluded May. The study appeared in the journal Nature Communications.

Eight things that weaken your immune system

Do you often suffer from common cold or viral flu? Do you keep feeling lazy and weak all the time?

If your answer is ‘yes’, then there’s a good chance that you have a poor immune system. Several factors like diet, lifestyle and emotional health, play an important role in maintaining a healthy immune system. Here are eight things that are often responsible for lowering your immunity:

1. Lack of proper hygiene: Viruses and bacteria are present everywhere and they never ever miss opportunities to attack humans. Lack of personal hygiene is one such factor that gives these pathogens a chance to multiply in the body and cause an infection. So, if you want to stay away from infections, basic things like washing the hands before every meal and after visiting the washroom, taking a bath, wearing clean clothes and drinking water from a clean source is important.

2. Lack of fruits and vegetables in the diet: In order to function optimally, your immune system needs micronutrients like vitamins, minerals and antioxidants. And, all of them can be obtained only through a balanced, healthy diet that includes fresh fruits and vegetables. A large number of studies have shown that fruits and vegetables contain compounds that boost immunity by increasing the production of immune cells (T cells) or by promoting their phagocytic (to kill the pathogens) activity.

3. Stress: There are than 300 studies that have explored the impact of stress on immunity in humans, and there seems to be some sort of consensus that physiological stressors have the ability to modify immune responses against infections. The ‘fight or flight’ response that sets in during stressful situation like exams, divorce, work pressure and financial issues down-regulate the synthesis of certain immunological molecules, weakening the immune system. Read about more six things that weaken your immune system

With input from IANS

Image Source: Getty Images

Published: October 19, 2014 4:02 pm

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