Abstract

Haemophilus influenzae is the most common cause of bacterial infection in the lungs of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) patients and contributes to episodes of acute exacerbation which are associated with increased hospitalization and mortality. Due to the ability of H. influenzae to adhere to host epithelial cells, initial colonization of the lower airways can progress to a persistent infection and biofilm formation. This is characterized by changes in bacterial behaviour such as reduced cellular metabolism and the production of an obstructive extracellular matrix (ECM). Herein we discuss the multiple mechanisms by which H. influenzae contributes to the pathogenesis of COPD. In particular, mechanisms that facilitate bacterial adherence to host airway epithelial cells, biofilm formation, and microbial persistence through immune system evasion and antibiotic tolerance will be discussed.

抽象的

流感嗜血杆菌是慢性阻塞性肺疾病（COPD）患者肺部细菌感染的最常见原因，并导致急性加重发作，这与住院和死亡率增加相关。由于流感嗜血杆菌粘附宿主宿主上皮细胞的能力，下呼吸道的最初定植会发展为持续感染和生物膜形成。其特征在于细菌行为的变化，例如细胞代谢减少和阻塞性细胞外基质（ECM）的产生。在这里，我们讨论流感嗜血杆菌的多种机制有助于COPD的发病机理。特别地，将讨论通过免疫系统逃逸和抗生素耐受性促进细菌粘附至宿主气道上皮细胞，生物膜形成和微生物持久性的机制。