Microbial Pathogenesis

Microbial pathogenesis is the study of the mechanisms by which microbes cause diseases in human hosts. To understand microbial pathogenesis, one must examine how microbes interact with their host cells, evade immune defenses, and cause tissue damage. By adhering to and colonizing host tissues, pathogens can establish infection. Microbes produce virulence factors, such as toxins and enzymes, which contribute to their pathogenicity. These virulence factors enable microbes to invade host tissues, disrupt normal cellular functions, and evade the immune system. Furthermore, the host-pathogen interaction is a dynamic process that evolves as the pathogen adapts to the host immune response and the host mounts countermeasures to combat the infection.