TLDR Anthrax bacteria can infect and destroy hair follicles in mice, but the immune system eventually clears the infection.
The study investigated the susceptibility of hair follicles to Bacillus anthracis in a murine model, focusing on whether actively growing (anagen) or resting (telogen) follicles were more prone to infection. The results showed that B. anthracis could invade both anagen and telogen hair follicles equally, unlike dermatophytes which only infect anagen follicles. The infection typically started at the superficial parts of the follicles and progressed deeper. This research provided insights into the pathogenesis of cutaneous anthrax, highlighting the role of hair follicles as a site of bacterial proliferation.
8 citations
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January 2007 in “International journal of experimental pathology” Hairless HRS/J mice resist Bacillus anthracis skin infections due to high numbers of immune cells, not because they lack hair follicles.
20 citations
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August 2005 in “The Journal of laboratory and clinical medicine” Mice with damaged skin or hair follicles are more susceptible to anthrax infection.
21 citations
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May 2022 in “Frontiers in Cell and Developmental Biology” Hair growth and health are influenced by factors like age, environment, and nutrition, and are controlled by various molecular pathways. Red light can promote hair growth, and understanding these processes can help treat hair-related diseases.
21 citations
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May 2016 in “Experimental and Therapeutic Medicine” MMP-2 and MMP-9 help hair grow, while their inhibitors peak when hair growth slows.
158 citations
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February 2012 in “Journal of Investigative Dermatology” 95 citations
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July 2006 in “British Journal of Dermatology” 122 citations
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July 1994 in “Journal of Investigative Dermatology”
