Microbes evade the immune system through inhibition of phagocytosis by affecting the receptors that phagocytes use to engulf bacteria or by mimicking host cells so that the immune system does not recognize them as foreign.
Microbes, such as bacteria, viruses, fungi, and parasites, can cause illness by invading the body and disrupting normal physiological functions. They may produce toxins that damage tissues, evade the immune system, and multiply rapidly, leading to inflammation and infection. Additionally, some microbes can interfere with nutrient absorption or trigger harmful immune responses. The resulting symptoms can range from mild discomfort to severe disease, depending on the type and virulence of the microbe.
Two genera that can evade the human immune system by frequently changing their surface proteins are Plasmodium, the genus that causes malaria, and Influenza virus. Both of these pathogens possess mechanisms to rapidly alter their surface proteins (antigens) in order to evade host immune responses.
The immune system must attack the bodys own cells
Plasmodium and Trypanosoma
Sometimes chlamydia surface antigens change, and make it hard for the immune system to keep up. It also appears that chlamydia may release toxins that damage the immune response in some cases. (see related link).
Mucoid capsules prevent desiccation in some organisms which increase virulence. Capsules are slippery and can evade a human's immune system.
The plasmodium parasite moves through the host's bloodstream by changing its shape and gliding. This unique form of locomotion helps it avoid detection by the immune system.
The specific immune response that may not occur when Staphylococcus aureus enters the bloodstream is the activation of the complement system. This response involves a series of proteins that help to eliminate invading microorganisms, but certain strains of Staphylococcus aureus possess proteins that can inhibit or evade complement activation, allowing the bacterium to evade immune detection and destruction.
The immune system is highly effective at eliminating bacteria, but the percentage can vary widely depending on the type of bacteria and the individual's immune response. Generally, the immune system can eliminate a significant majority of pathogens, often cited as 90% or more, especially during acute infections. However, some bacteria can evade or resist immune detection, leading to persistent infections. Overall, the exact percentage is difficult to quantify universally due to these variables.
Leishmania lives within macrophages because it has adapted to evade the host immune system by exploiting the intracellular environment of these immune cells. By residing inside macrophages, Leishmania can avoid detection and destruction by the host's immune response, allowing it to establish a chronic infection.
The S bacteria possess a protective polysaccharide capsule that helps them evade the immune system, allowing them to survive and cause infection. The R bacteria lack this capsule and are easily targeted and eliminated by the immune system, thus they are not virulent.
Cervical cancer can compromise the immune system in several ways. The human papillomavirus (HPV), which often causes cervical cancer, can evade immune detection and hinder the body's ability to mount an effective immune response. Additionally, the presence of tumor cells can lead to immune system dysfunction, where immune cells may become suppressed or exhausted, further impairing the body's ability to fight not only the cancer but also other infections. This weakened immune response makes patients more susceptible to opportunistic infections and other malignancies.