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. 1993 Dec;61(12):5401–5405. doi: 10.1128/iai.61.12.5401-5405.1993

Hemin utilization is related to virulence of Streptococcus pneumoniae.

S S Tai 1, C J Lee 1, R E Winter 1
PMCID: PMC281331  PMID: 8225615

Abstract

Streptococcus pneumoniae is a causative agent for bacterial pneumonia, otitis media, meningitis, and bacteremia. Mechanisms for acquisition of iron by this organism under low-iron conditions were investigated. Siderophore production was not detected by either chemical or biological methods. Its utilization of iron-containing compounds found in human hosts was tested. Both hemin and hemoglobin supported the full growth of S. pneumoniae in a culture lacking other iron sources, while lactoferrin and transferrin failed to do so. A mutant defective in hemin utilization was isolated and was less virulent than wild-type S. pneumoniae in experimental animals.

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Selected References

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