Phagotrophic protozoa: A new weapon against pathogens?

Nacar A., Nacar E.

MEDICAL HYPOTHESES, vol.70, no.1, pp.141-142, 2008 (SCI-Expanded) identifier identifier identifier

  • Publication Type: Article / Article
  • Volume: 70 Issue: 1
  • Publication Date: 2008
  • Doi Number: 10.1016/j.mehy.2007.03.037
  • Journal Name: MEDICAL HYPOTHESES
  • Journal Indexes: Science Citation Index Expanded (SCI-EXPANDED), Scopus
  • Page Numbers: pp.141-142
  • Hacettepe University Affiliated: No

Abstract

Immune suppression is one of the most important factors contributing mortality in systemic diseases like HIV, cancer or diabetes. Moreover, in autoimmune diseases immune suppression itself becomes the only choice of therapy. Finally, fatal bacterial infections occur. As antibiotics get stronger, severity of their side effects increase and more resistant organisms develop. The war between antibiotics and pathogens becomes a never ending story white human body gets weaker day by day. Therefore we should develop new methods against bacterial infections. We have suggested that the protists controlling the bacterial growth effectively in aquatic environments could be used in the human body to cope with human pathogens. Million years of a balanced aquatic ecosystem could be a clue for us to search for better and more natural fighting methods against human infectious agents. (c) 2007 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.