The effect of passage and iron on the virulence of <i>Pseudomonas aeruginosa</i>

Abstract

The factors concerned with the virulence of Pseudomonas aeruginosa are relatively labile and can be enhanced by passage. Virulence is further enhanced if the serum transferrin of the host is saturated with iron. These results draw attention to the possible serious consequences of accidental passage in hospitals, and focus attention on the importance of transferrin as a factor in non-specific resistance.