Systemic bacterial invasion induced by sleep deprivation

Profound sleep disruption in humans is generally believed to cause health i mpairments. Through comparative research, specific physical effects and und erlying mechanisms altered by sleep deprivation are being elucidated. Studi es of sleep-deprived animals previously have shown a progressive, chronic n egative energy balance and gradual deterioration of health, which culminate in fatal bloodstream infection without an infectious focus. The present st udy investigated the conditions antecedent to advanced morbidity in sleep-d eprived rats by determining the time course and distribution of live microo rganisms in body tissues that are normally sterile. The tissues cultured fo r microbial growth included the blood, four major organs, six regional lymp h nodes, the intestine, and the skin. The principal finding was early infec tion of the mesenteric lymph nodes by bacteria presumably translocated from the intestine and bacterial migration to and transient infection of extrai ntestinal sites. Presence of pathogenic microorganisms and their toxins in tissues constitutes a septic burden and chronic antigenic challenge for the host. Bacterial translocation and pathogenic sequelae provide mechanisms b y which sleep deprivation appears to adversely affect health.