RT Book, Section A1 Riedel, Stefan A1 Hobden, Jeffery A. A1 Miller, Steve A1 Morse, Stephen A. A1 Mietzner, Timothy A. A1 Detrick, Barbara A1 Mitchell, Thomas G. A1 Sakanari, Judy A. A1 Hotez, Peter A1 Mejia, Rojelio SR Print(0) ID 1163279121 T1 Pathogenesis of Bacterial Infection T2 Jawetz, Melnick, & Adelberg's Medical Microbiology, 28e YR 2019 FD 2019 PB McGraw-Hill Education PP New York, NY SN 9781260012026 LK accessmedicine.mhmedical.com/content.aspx?aid=1163279121 RD 2024/04/20 AB The pathogenesis of bacterial infection includes initiation of the infectious process and the mechanisms that lead to the development of signs and symptoms of disease. The biochemical, structural, and genetic factors that play important roles in bacterial pathogenesis are introduced in this chapter and may be revisited in the organism-specific sections. Characteristics of bacteria that are pathogens include transmissibility, adherence to host cells, persistence, invasion of host cells and tissues, toxigenicity, and the ability to evade or survive the host’s immune system. Resistance to antimicrobials and disinfectants can also contribute to virulence, or an organism’s capacity to cause disease. Many infections caused by bacteria that are commonly considered to be pathogens are inapparent or asymptomatic. Disease occurs if the bacteria or immunologic reactions to their presence cause sufficient harm to the person.