Textbook Question
Name one fungus and one protozoan that can cause genital system infections. What symptoms would lead you to suspect these infections?
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Ch. 14 - Principles of Disease and Epidemiology
Tortora14th EditionMicrobiology: An IntroductionISBN: 9780138200398
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Table of contents
- Ch. 1 - The Microbial World and You18
- Ch. 2 - Chemical Principles20
- Ch. 3 - Observing Microorganisms Through a Microscope18
- Ch. 4 - Functional Anatomy of Prokaryotic and Eukaryotic Cells21
- Ch. 5 - Microbial Metabolism20
- Ch. 6 - Microbial Growth20
- Ch. 7 - The Control of Microbial Growth20
- Ch. 8 - Microbial Genetics19
- Ch. 9 - Biotechnology & DNA Technology20
- Ch. 10 - Classification of Microorganisms15
- Ch. 11 - The Prokaryotes: Domains Bacteria and Archaea14
- Ch. 12 - The Eukaryotes: Fungi, Algae, Protozoa, and Helminths17
- Ch. 13 - Viruses, Viroids, and Prions20
- Ch. 14 - Principles of Disease and Epidemiology21
- Ch. 15 - Microbial Mechanisms of Pathogenicity19
- Ch. 16 - Innate Immunity: Nonspecific Defenses of the Host20
- Ch. 17 - Adaptive Immunity: Specific Defenses of the Host20
- Ch. 18 - Practical Applications of Immunology20
- Ch. 19 - Disorders Associated with the Immune System19
- Ch. 20 - Antimicrobial Drugs19
- Ch. 21 - Microbial Diseases of the Skin and Eyes21
- Ch. 22 - Microbial Diseases of the Nervous System19
- Ch. 23 - Microbial Diseases of the Cardiovascular and Lymphatic Systems20
- Ch. 24 - Microbial Diseases of the Respiratory System20
- Ch. 25 - Microbial Diseases of the Digestive System20
- Ch. 26 - Microbial Diseases of the Urinary and Reproductive Systems19
- Ch. 27 - Environmental Microbiology20
- Ch. 28 - Applied and Industrial Microbiology19
Tortora14th EditionMicrobiology: An IntroductionISBN: 9780138200398Not the one you use?Change textbook
Chapter 14, Problem 15.6a
An encapsulated bacterium can be virulent because the capsule
a. resists phagocytosis.
b. is an endotoxin.
c. destroys host tissues.
d. kills host cells.
e. has no effect; because many pathogens do not have capsules, capsules do not contribute to virulence.
Verified step by step guidance1
Understand the role of a bacterial capsule: A capsule is a polysaccharide layer that surrounds some bacteria, providing protection and aiding in virulence.
Consider the function of the capsule in resisting host defenses: The capsule can prevent phagocytosis by immune cells, making it harder for the host to eliminate the bacteria.
Evaluate the options given: Determine which option aligns with the known function of the capsule in resisting phagocytosis.
Option a states that the capsule resists phagocytosis, which is a known mechanism by which capsules contribute to bacterial virulence.
Conclude that the correct answer is the option that describes the capsule's ability to resist phagocytosis, enhancing the bacterium's virulence.
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Key Concepts
Here are the essential concepts you must grasp in order to answer the question correctly.
Bacterial Capsules
Bacterial capsules are protective layers made of polysaccharides or proteins that surround the cell wall of some bacteria. They play a crucial role in virulence by enhancing the bacterium's ability to evade the host's immune system, particularly by resisting phagocytosis, which is the process by which immune cells engulf and destroy pathogens.
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01:53
Capsules vs. Slime Layers
Phagocytosis
Phagocytosis is a key immune response where specialized cells, such as macrophages and neutrophils, engulf and digest pathogens. The presence of a capsule can hinder this process, allowing encapsulated bacteria to survive longer in the host and potentially cause disease, making the capsule a significant factor in bacterial virulence.
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Virulence Factors
Virulence factors are traits or molecules produced by pathogens that enhance their ability to cause disease. These can include structures like capsules, toxins, and enzymes that facilitate infection and damage to host tissues. Understanding these factors is essential for comprehending how certain bacteria can be more pathogenic than others.
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Related Practice
Textbook Question
Using the following data, draw a graph showing the incidence of influenza during a typical year. Indicate the endemic and epidemic levels.
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Textbook Question
Use the following information to answer questions 8–10.
A Maryland woman was hospitalized with dehydration. V. cholerae and Plesiomonas shigelloides were isolated from the patient, who had neither traveled outside the United States nor eaten raw shellfish during the preceding month. The patient had attended a party before hospitalization. Two other people at the party had acute diarrheal illness and elevated levels of serum antibodies against Vibrio. Everyone at the party ate crabs and rice pudding with coconut milk. Crabs left over from this party were served at a second party. One of the people at the second party had onset of mild diarrhea; specimens from of these people were negative for vibriocidal antibodies.
The source of the disease was
a. Plesiomonas shigelloides.
b. crabs.
c. V. cholerae.
d. coconut milk.
e. rice.
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Textbook Question
This microbe is acquired by humans as infants and is essential for good health. Acquiring a closely related strain causes severe stomach cramps, bloody diarrhea, and vomiting. What is the microbe?
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