infections
Development of Infection
Blockage of the body's defenses
Some microorganisms have Bacterial Defenses , such as the following: Interfering with the body’s production of Antibodies or Destroying protective antibodies Being enclosed in protective outer coats ( Capsules ) that prevent defending white blood cells from ingesting the microorganisms (for example, the fungus Resisting being split open (lysed) by substances circulating in the bloodstream Producing substances that counter the effects of antibiotics Some bacteria can produce a layer of slime, called Biofilm , in which they live. The biofilm helps them attach to cells and to foreign material such as intravenous catheters, suture material, prosthetic joints, hardware that keeps broken bones in place (such as pins, screws, rods, and plates), and medical implants and devices. The biofilm protects bacteria from being ingested by immune cells and being killed by antibiotics. Microorganisms that do not at first have ways of blocking the body’s defenses sometimes develop them over time. For example, some microorganisms, after being repeatedly exposed to penicillin, become resistant to that drug (called Antibiotic resistance ). 