Final answer:
A substance from the glycocalyx, including polysaccharides, glycoproteins, or glycolipids, can attach to bacterial membranes to prevent biofilm formation. Biofilms offer protective advantages to microbes, making them resistant to antibiotics and disinfectants. The host's immune system has mechanisms to disrupt biofilms and target pathogenic bacteria.
Step-by-step explanation:
The substance that attaches to the bacterial cell membrane causing lysis and binds to the pellicle and mucosa to prevent biofilm formation is typically part of the glycocalyx, which can include polymers such as polysaccharides, glycoproteins, or glycolipids. This glycocalyx allows cells to adhere to surfaces and is essential in the formation of biofilms, which are colonies of microbes forming layers on surfaces, offering microbes protective advantages. However, certain factors in the host's immune system, such as lysozyme and defensins, can prevent or disrupt this biofilm formation. Furthermore, pathogens may produce virulence factors like capsules or proteases to evade the immune system, but they can also be targeted by immune responses and antimicrobial treatments.
In a clinical setting, biofilms present challenges because of their resistance to antibiotics and disinfectants. The extrapolymeric substance (EPS) of the biofilm plays a crucial role in this resistance by providing both a physical barrier and a chemical protective environment. The EPS makes it difficult for antibiotics to penetrate and reach the bacterial cells and can protect bacteria in stationary phases, which are typically less susceptible to antibiotics. Additionally, immune system defenses such as IgA-mediated responses help prevent the infiltration of commensal bacteria across the mucosal barrier.