Bacterial virulence, biofilm-formation and intrinsic antibiotic tolerance

Question 1

What is the pathogenesis of Salmonella enterica

Answer 1

Salmonella enteric can infect all nucleated cells. It adhere to the mucosal tissue just 15 min after infection and after that invade cells.

Salmonella first express SPI 1 - molecular needle that the bacteria uses to invade the host cell, the purpose is to reorganize the membrane so that the bacteria is accidentally taken inside

Salmonella express SPI 2 when inside the cell - activates and facilitates the intracellular replication

Question 2

How do the immune system combat Salmonella infection

Answer 2

Production of ROS, Salmonella is vulnerable to ROS however it can also repair some of the damage that ROS make since it carry an oxidation control

Question 3

Explain how biofilm formation occur

Answer 3

Bacteria doesn’t grow alone, instead they adhere to a surface and produce extra cellular matrix with nutrients etc. helpful for bacterial survival

Question 4

What is the beneficial role of biofilm formation

Answer 4

Biofilms protect against antibiotics, allow bacteria to get in close contact to each other and share genes. Also makes it more difficult for the host IS to interact with the bacteria. enabling immune evasion and establishment of chronicity