>>but aren't endotoxins poisonous byproducts of dead gram-negative bacteria? <<
This is a bit backwards. It would be more correct to say the by product of gram negative bacteria is an endotoxin (poisonous by definition).
>>Since bacteria can and do evolve, sometimes very rapidly, to changes in their environment, does this not suggest that the gram-negative bacteria that survives BPI can evolve and eventually flourish as it passes on these traits to it's (so to speak) offspring ?<<
I would have to agree with the possibility of bacteria evolving, but as long as they are coated with a lippid protein sheath, BPI will bind and even if it does not kill the bacteria, it will neutralize the endotoxins, thus relieving the body (and treating physicians) of the need to worry about septic shock. This is important in a disease like meningitis, where the body, with antibiotics, can eventually overcome the disease, but the septic shock kills or cripples the victim.
all IMO. |
