Host Defense Mechanisms
Bacteria have evolved strategies to evade host defenses during the stages of :
- Attachment
- Proliferation
- Invasion of host tissue
- Toxin-induced damage
The defense mechanism by the host towards the organism are:
- Natural barriers: like the skin, mucous membrane, tears, earwax, mucus, and stomach acid removes the harmful bacteria from the body
- Macrophages and neutrophils kill the pathogen that enter the body by phagocytosis (engulfing) method.
- The B-cell and T-cells of the immune system act as third line of defense
While host-defense mechanisms act at each step, many bacteria have developed mechanisms to circumvent these defenses, leading to successful infections.
Bacterial Diseases in Humans
Bacterial diseases represent a diverse array of diseases that afflict humans. Bacteria are ubiquitous in surroundings and play vital roles in maintaining the ecological balance. Among all the known bacteria only about 1% of bacteria can cause disease in plants, animals, and humans. Bacterial diseases are communicable and often spread through water, air, food, vectors, and body fluids.
Based on the pathogen entry, nature, and severity of the disease and transmission the treatment is decided. Bacterial diseases commonly show symptoms like headache, fever, nausea, rashes, etc. Antibiotics are usually used to treat bacterial diseases in humans and animals. The transmission of the disease can be prevented by following hygienic practices and vaccination.
Table of Content
- What is bacteria?
- What are bacterial diseases?
- Bacterial diseases in humans
- Host defense mechanisms
- Common signs and symptoms
- Treatment
- Preventive Measures
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