Erythropoiesis-stimulating agents (EPO)

Erythropoietin, or its alternatives erythropoetin or erithropoyetin or EPO, is a glycoprotein hormone that controls erythropoiesis, or red blood cell production. A 2011 study found that in mice infected with Salmonella, EPO treatment was associated with reduced survival and impaired ability to clear the pathogen, neutralization of EPO production in the body promoted Salmonella elimination. This suggests that EPO reduces the ability of the immune system to fight off a systemic infection with intracellular bacteria such as Salmonella.¹⁾

Because EPO is highly immunosuppressive and exacerbates intra-cellular infection, its use is not recommended.