Final answer:
Pathogens use antiphagocytic strategies to evade the immune system and prevent phagocytosis. These strategies include phagocytosis inhibition, capsule formation, and toxin release. The correct answer is 'd) All of the above'.
Step-by-step explanation:
Pathogens have developed various antiphagocytic strategies to evade the immune system and prevent phagocytosis. These strategies include:
- Phagocytosis inhibition: Pathogens can produce factors that inhibit the engulfment of the pathogen by phagocytes.
- Capsule formation: Bacterial pathogens can produce capsules that act as a barrier, preventing phagocytes from engulfing the pathogen.
- Toxin release: Some pathogens release toxins that can damage or kill phagocytes, preventing them from carrying out phagocytosis effectively.
Therefore, the correct answer is d) All of the above, as all of these antiphagocytic strategies are utilized by pathogens.