Bacterial infection stresses hematopoietic stem cells

(Kumamoto University) It is becoming clear that immune cells are not the only cells that react to bacterial infection. Researchers from Japan and Switzerland found that bacterial infection also activates hematopoietic stem cells resident in the bone marrow far from the site of infection. This infection significantly reduces the ability of the stem cells to produce blood by forcing them to proliferate. These findings suggest that bacterial infection may lead to a cause of anemia or leukemia.
Source: EurekAlert! - Infectious and Emerging Diseases - Category: Infectious Diseases Source Type: news