Pathogens 2: Bacteria


Phagocytic Killing

  • Oxygen dependent
    1. Reduction of O2 to superoxide anion .O2-
    2. .O2- interacts with other molecules to give a series of free radicals
    3. Nitric oxide NO. is also produced which is toxic to bacteria and tumour cells

  • Oxygen independent

    • Organisms can be killed by patients who cannot produce reactive oxygen intermediates

  • Cationic proteins

    • Cysteine and arginine rich cationic peptides

    Found in neutrophils

    Form ion permeable channels in lipid bilayers

  • Other mechanisms

    • Acidification after lysosome fusion

    Kills bacteria and also activates lysosomal enzymes

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