Abstract
Extracellular bacterial pathogens such as Pseudomonas aeruginosa are able to penetrate into host tissues (given an initial breech in the outer barrier, e.g. a wound) through the action of exo-toxins and degradative exo-enzymes. A mathematical model of this process is presented which, in the absence of significant immune response, predicts the progression of the bacteria into the tissue as a travelling wave whose velocity can be determined explicitly in terms of the model parameters. Simple in vitro experiments in protein-based matrices are performed which yield results consistent with this behaviour. A complementary in vitro experimental system with distinct qualitative behaviour is also studied, giving further insight and confidence in the modelling approach.
Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Free) 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a call
