Question

Based upon your knowledge of cell wall structure, explain how the microbes causing meningitis and typhoid fever can induce fever and systemic shock in an infected patient.

Answer 1

Answer:

The outer layer contains endotoxins that cause these symptoms

Explanation:

Endotoxins are lipopolysaccharides complex associated with the outer membrane of Gram-negative bacteria (e.g., Escherichia coli, Salmonella, Pseudomonas, Neisseria, Shigella, etc). These endotoxins are well-known to cause inflammation and fever, which are natural responses of the immune system. Inflammation stimulates white blood cells (leukocytes) to attack pathogenic harmful microorganisms. Moreover, the increased body temperature (fever) also can inhibit the growth of many harmful microorganisms since human pathogens are mesophiles, i.e., they exhibit an optimum growth at moderate temperature (35 °C).