Some bacteria like Mycobacterium tuberculosis, the causative agent of tuberculosis, are intracellular pathogens. They invade and reside inside host cells, including those of the immune system, such as macrophages. Inside the macrophage, the typical bacterial killing strategy does not go according to plan when dealing with intracellular bacteria. Some can aptly withstand the acidity. Some … Continue reading IMMUNOLOGY 101 – Fighting Intracellular Bacterial Infections
IMMUNOLOGY 101 – Fighting Extracellular Bacterial Infections
Some infections don’t develop within our cells - many are extracellular. Once these pathogens have gotten past the first line of defense, our skin, resident mast cells and macrophages jump into action. Histamine is released and blood flow to the site of infection is increased. PAMPs are recognized, driving the phagocytosis of the invading pathogen … Continue reading IMMUNOLOGY 101 – Fighting Extracellular Bacterial Infections
Protecting Against Sexually Transmitted Diseases
Every day, over a million curable sexually transmitted infections (STIs) are acquired globally. Dozens of pathogens are responsible for these infections which are passed from person to person via oral, anal, and vaginal sex, as well as genital contact. There are parasites like Trichomonas vaginalis, which causes trichomoniasis, an STI acquired by over 150 million … Continue reading Protecting Against Sexually Transmitted Diseases