Final answer:
Without B cells and the antibodies they produce, an individual is at increased risk for infections, particularly from Staphylococcus and Streptococcus bacteria. These pathogens can become resistant to antibiotics, like MRSA, and can cause systemic complications such as rheumatic fever due to molecular mimicry.
Step-by-step explanation:
If there are virtually no B cells in an individual, the capability to produce antibodies is severely compromised. This condition can lead to an increased susceptibility to infections, particularly from bacteria like Staphylococcus and Streptococcus, which are known to cause a variety of infections, especially skin infections when they penetrate cuts or wounds. Moreover, absence of functioning B cells significantly weakens the adaptive immune response, which is essential for fighting off infections and for vaccine effectiveness.
Staphylococcus aureus, for example, is notorious for its ability to develop resistance to antibiotics such as penicillin, resulting in strains like MRSA (Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus). This poses a significant challenge for treatment. The ability of these bacteria to form biofilms, produce toxins, and evade the immune system further complicates the management of these infections.
Similarly, Streptococcus pyogenes can lead to more systemic complications such as rheumatic fever, particularly when the immune response mistakenly targets the body's own tissues, a phenomenon known as molecular mimicry. Without adequate B cell function and subsequent antibody production, patients are at a high risk of recurrent infections and may suffer from complications that require more aggressive treatments.