Aspirin Shown to Reduce Infection Risk

A study has shown that aspirin can reduce the risk of deadly infections by disrupting the bacteria's ability to adhere to host tissue. The finding was reported in the July 15, 2003, issue of the Journal of Clinical Investigation.

Researchers focused on the bacterium Staphylococcus aureus and its role in infections in animal tissue. S aureus is a leading cause of serious systemic infections and abscesses. They found that by disrupting the stress system, aspirin reduced the bacteria's capacity to adhere to host tissue. In addition, the salicylic acid disrupted the ability of S aureus to produce toxins, which the bacteria require to propagate and spread. As a result, the animals treated with aspirin have smaller abscesses and fewer bacteria in the infection. The researchers noted that aspirin did not cure the infection but reduced the ability of the bacteria to cause infection.

"The fact that aspirin has been used for pain treatment, to reduce mortality due to heart attacks, and can possibly reduce the risks of infection is incredible,” said lead author Dr. Ambrose Cheung, professor of microbiology and immunology at Dartmouth Medical School (Hanover, NH, USA).




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