Corticosteroid-binding globulin cleavage may be pathogen-dependent in bloodstream infection

There was evidence of CBG cleavage in early infection both in patients with and without systemic inflammation and regardless of culture status. Pseudomonas infection appeared to enhance cleavage. This observation, along with cleavage in severe neutropenia suggests mechanisms other than neutrophil elastase may be involved in CBG cleavage and local tissue cortisol release in infection.