Immune cells research could lead to better treatment for blood poisoning

CALGARY – Calgary researchers are hoping their discovery about how immune cells combat severe infections will lead to improved ways to treat sepsis.

Sepsis is a potentially deadly blood poisoning caused by a bacterial infection usually contracted in hospital.

Bryan Yipp of Alberta Innovates – Health Solutions says a type of white blood cell that digests micro-organisms was once believed to die once it did its work.

But he says it turns out the cells, called neutrophils (NOO’-troh-fills), remain alive and are still able to fight infection.

Yipp says it may be possible to manipulate neutrophils to battle specific infections and increase survival rates in septic patients.

But he adds that too many neutrophils can actually cause cellular damage in a patient.