Increased pulmonary susceptibility to streptococcal infection following inhalation of manganese oxide

• Published in: Environmental research 1980-01, Vol.23 (1), p.110-120
• Main Authors: Adkins, Bernard, Luginbuhl, Geraldine H., Miller, Frederick J., Gardner, Donald E.
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Aerosols; Animals; Female; Lung Diseases - etiology; Manganese - administration & dosage; Manganese - pharmacology; Manganese Compounds; Mice; Oxides; Sepsis - etiology; Streptococcal Infections - etiology; Streptococcus pyogenes - immunology
• ISSN: 0013-9351; 1096-0953
• DOI: 10.1016/0013-9351(80)90098-5

In this study, laboratory mice exposed to manganese oxide aerosols, then infected with airborne Streptococcus pyogenes, showed greater mortality rates than infected control animals. Maximum mortality rates were determined from acute manganese oxide exposures of 2-hr duration. A consistent dose—response relationship was observed between the amount of manganese retained by the mouse lungs and the enhanced mortality rates. The toxicological consequences of the manganese oxide inhalation were also indicated by reduced initial clearance and subsequent enhanced growth of the streptococci in the manganese-exposed animals, compared to those of the control animals. Streptococcal septicemia occurred earlier in manganese-exposed mice than in control mice, paralleling the increase in subsequent mortality. Immunity against streptococci did not counteract the toxic effects of manganese oxide inhalation and streptococcal infection.