News, Links and Commentary
Friday, November 11, 2005
Bacterial Infection and Gene Variations in Wet MD
Researchers from the Massachusetts Eye and Ear Infirmary have discovered a link between a bacteria called Chlamydia pneumoniae and wet MD. The bacteria causes infection in the eye, leading to increased production of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), a protein responsible for blood vessel growth in the retina.
The researchers believe that people with wet MD caused by variations in the Complement Factor H (CFH) gene are more susceptible to infections brought on by bacteria like C. pneumoniae.
Read the full story in 'Bacterium, Gene Play Roles in Elderly Vision Loss' (HealthDayNews at HealthCentral, 10 November 2005). The study was published in the November issue of Graefe's Archive for Clinical and Experimental Ophthalmology and the lead author is Dr Murat Kalayoglu.
Update (22 November 2005): In an article in The New York Times, the researchers point out that the bacteria may not cause the initial infection but come along afterwards. Read more in 'Scientists Link a Bacterium to Age-Related Blindness' (15 November 2005).
The researchers believe that people with wet MD caused by variations in the Complement Factor H (CFH) gene are more susceptible to infections brought on by bacteria like C. pneumoniae.
Read the full story in 'Bacterium, Gene Play Roles in Elderly Vision Loss' (HealthDayNews at HealthCentral, 10 November 2005). The study was published in the November issue of Graefe's Archive for Clinical and Experimental Ophthalmology and the lead author is Dr Murat Kalayoglu.
Update (22 November 2005): In an article in The New York Times, the researchers point out that the bacteria may not cause the initial infection but come along afterwards. Read more in 'Scientists Link a Bacterium to Age-Related Blindness' (15 November 2005).
Comments:
Post a Comment
