Bacterial pathogenesis is, on a fundamental level, the growth of bacteria that causes disease. Infections depend on several virulence factors that help the bacteria invade the host, evade host immune responses, and cause disease. Some significant virulence factors include adherence factors, invasion factors, capsules, endotoxins, and exotoxins.

Antibiotics are drugs used in treating and preventing bacterial infections. Although the mechanisms of action of antibiotics are varied, many antibacterial treatment regimens include the use of combinations of these antibiotics for maximum effect. Of note, most antibiotics are highly specific to bacteria and cannot be used against viruses. Additionally, the evolution and mutation of bacterial strains to resist antibiotics is a rising concern in modern medicine. Due to the rapid generational growth rate and evolution of bacteria as well as the development of modern medicine, epidemiology of infections are constantly changing. It is important to note that epidemiology of a particular species is relative to its environmental preferences and needs.

1) Loker, E. S., & Hofkin, B. V. (2015). Parasitology: a conceptual approach. New York: Garland Science.

2) Madigan, M. T., & Brock, T. D. (2012). Brock biology of microorganisms. Boston: Benjamin Cummings.

Immunology – Figure 1.
http://www.biology.arizona.edu/immunology/tutorials/immunology/page3.html