Question

Mycobacteria are intracellular pathogens that have adapted to life inside

phagocytic cells, such as macrophages. These intracellular bacteria are taken up by phagocytosis, similar to other pathogens, but the bacteria are not killed. One possible mechanism that could account for this immune evasion by mycobacteria is their ability to:

A. Prevent induction of nitric oxide production in the phagosome
B. Prevent the acidification of phagosomes
C. Prevent the expression of antimicrobial peptides in the phagosome
D. Prevent fusion of phagosomes with lysosomes
E. Kill the macrophage before it kills them

Answer 1

Mycobacteria, such as Mycobacterium tuberculosis, are able to evade the immune system by preventing the fusion of phagosomes with lysosomes. This allows the bacteria to survive and multiply within the phagocytes, avoiding destruction by lysosomal enzymes. This mechanism is important for the persistence of mycobacteria and the development of diseases like tuberculosis.

Step-by-step explanation:

Mycobacteria are intracellular pathogens that have adapted to life inside phagocytic cells, such as macrophages. These bacteria are taken up by phagocytosis, but they are not killed. One possible mechanism that could account for this immune evasion by mycobacteria is their ability to prevent fusion of phagosomes with lysosomes. By preventing this fusion, the bacteria can survive and multiply within the phagosome, avoiding destruction by lysosomal enzymes. This is an important adaptation that allows mycobacteria, such as Mycobacterium tuberculosis, to persist and cause diseases like tuberculosis.