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. 1996 Dec;64(12):5428–5429. doi: 10.1128/iai.64.12.5428-5429.1996

Acquisition of iron from host proteins by the group A streptococcus.

Z Eichenbaum 1, E Muller 1, S A Morse 1, J R Scott 1
PMCID: PMC174544  PMID: 8945602

Abstract

To identify mammalian iron-binding proteins that can serve as iron sources for Streptococcus pyogenes, the group A streptococcus (GAS), we used a plate assay. Ferritin, hemin, hemoglobin, myoglobin, and catalase can support growth of GAS on iron-depleted medium. However, growth was not detected when iron was provided as iron-saturated transferrin or lactoferrin or bound to cytochrome c. Therefore, it appears that GAS can use the intracellular iron sources available in the human body, which is consistent with its ability to cause tissue destruction during infection.

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Selected References

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