Final answer:
Healthy individuals rely on enhanced phagosome activity and adaptive immunity to target and overcome Aspergillus fumigatus, which uses catalases and superoxide dismutases to evade immune responses. Immune-deficient individuals struggle because they often have impaired adaptive immunity.
Step-by-step explanation:
The immune response of healthy individuals can overcome the immune escape mechanism of Aspergillus fumigatus primarily by activating their adaptive immunity, which includes a tailored immune response specifically targeting the organism. This fungus employs unique immune escape mechanisms such as synthesizing catalases and superoxide dismutases to neutralize reactive oxygen species (ROS), inhibiting the effectiveness of phagocytic cells. Normative immune responses include enhanced phagosome activity to engulf and digest the pathogen.
Immune-deficient individuals often struggle with infections like Aspergillus fumigatus due to an impaired adaptive immune response, which can result from a reduction in functioning T cells or an inability to produce high-affinity antibodies against the pathogen. Consequently, without an effective immune response, these individuals are at heightened risk for developing infections.