By Pat Anson, Editor

Bacteria may play a surprising role in how the body responds to infections by causing pain and suppressing the immune system, according to a new study published in the journal Nature.

In studies involving laboratory mice, researchers at Boston Children’s Hospital discovered that the pain of invasive skin infections, caused by antibiotic-resistant Staphylococcus aureus, appears to be induced by the bacteria themselves and not by the body’s immune response.

Researchers also found that once pain neurons “sense” the invading bacteria, they suppress the immune system — potentially helping the bacteria become more virulent.

The findings could change the way doctors treat painful infections such as meningitis, urinary tract infections, intestinal infections, and tooth aches.

Read more at National Pain Report.