L12 Microbial Immune Evasion

Question 1

What specific factors contribute to the virulence of Legionella pneumophila, and how does it lead to the development of Legionnaires disease?

Answer 1

evades phagocytosis – blocks the fusion of phagosomes with lysosomes,
creating a Legionella-containing vesicle (LCV) - resembles the endoplasmic reticulum (ER), where it can replicate.
– allows the bacteria to avoid destruction and establish infection in the lungs,
leading to Legionnaires’ disease
- severe lung inflammation
- - pneumonia.