BSCI 223 Lecture Notes - Lecture 1: Serotype, Sepsis, Streptococcus
Document Summary
Streptococcus pneumoniae is an encapsulated gram- positive bacterium. Antibodies directed against the capsule provide serotype-specific protection. The slippery capsules exterior to the cell wall of bacteria is important for virulence or adherence. Fredrica would have acquired innate immunity from her mother as her response to s. pneumoniae would have been immediate. Innate immunity is nonspecific unlike the pathogen specific adaptive immunity. Increased exposure to the infection could cause increased susceptibility. B cells play a significant role in the host response to bacterial infections. Describe the humoral response that might allow fredrica to recover without treatment.