Nontypeable haemophilus influenzae (NTHi) and lung oxidative stress

Abstract

Background: COPD is characterized by ongoing airway inflammation that continues after smoking cessation. The production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) to produce oxidative stress and lung damage is a key feature of this ongoing inflammatory process. The lung phagocytes (macrophages and neutrophils) are thought to have a key role in ROS production. Nontypeable Haemophilus influenzae (NTHi) is the dominant bacterium found in the lungs of patients with COPD. It is not known if NTHi has a role in ROS production. Aims: To assess the effect of NTHi on the prod..