Question

Compare and contrast invasiveness and toxigenesis as mechanisms of pathogenicity.

Answer 1

Solution:

Pathogenicity is the ability to produce disease in a host organism.Relationship depends on the virulence and the relative degree of resistance of the host organism.Invasiveness is the ability of a pathogen to invade tissues.Invasiveness consists of,

• mechanisms for colonization
• production of extracellular substances
• ability to bypass or overcome host defense mechanisms.

Toxigenesis, ability to produce toxins.Toxic substances produced by bacteria, may be transported by blood and lymph and cause cytotoxic effects on tissue sites remote from the original point of growth.