Mycobacterial Diseases
Open Access
ISSN: 2161-1068
+44 1478 350008
ISSN: 2161-1068
+44 1478 350008
Marc Solioz
Copper in aerobic environments prevails as cupric ions, Cu2+, but inside cells, is usually present as cuprous ions, Cu+. Cu+ is considerably more toxic to bacteria than Cu2+. Phagosomes employ, among other mechanisms, Cu+ to create a hostile environment for engulfed bacteria. Bacteria can reduce or oxidize copper by various mechanisms. How such reactions could affect bacterial survival in phagosomes is discussed, with a focus onMycobacteria.