In: Biology
Two streptococcus pneumonia strains, agent 1 and agent 2, are administered to groups of animals at different doses. Mortality rates are then measured for the animals that received each dose level of each agent. Agent 1 found to have an LD50 of 400. Agent 2 was found to have an LD50 of 600.
a) Which one is producing a capsule and which one is not? Why?
b) Briefly explain 2 ways in which bacterial capsules facilitate host colonization and pathogenesis.
a) Since LD50 of agent 1 is lower, the agent 1 is more virulent
as there is inverse relation between LD50 and virulence.
Presence of capsule makes the bacteria more virulent as it prevents
their phagocytosis and help in adherence to the host cell. This
means that the agent 1 is producing capsule and agent 2 is not.
b) 1. Capsule contain large amount of water which it turn
exclude the viruses and hydrophobic toxins. This prevents the
killing of bacteria by desiccation and makes it more pathogenic.
Presence of capsule also prevents the phagocytosis of bacteria from
the cells of the host's immune system and thereby ensure its
pathogenicity.
2. The glycocaclyx of capsule serve to help the bacteria to adhere
to the tissue surfaces in the host body.