Nester's Microbiology: A Human Perspective
Nester's Microbiology: A Human Perspective
9th Edition
ISBN: 9781259709999
Author: Denise G. Anderson Lecturer, Sarah Salm, Deborah Allen
Publisher: McGraw-Hill Education
Question
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Chapter 25, Problem 1SA
Summary Introduction

To review:

The significance of immune complex formation in infective endocarditis.

Introduction:

Endocarditis refers to the disease of heart that includes heart valves and the inner surface of the heart. It is the inflammation in the inner layer of the heart, the endocardium, and thus the name endocarditis. Based on the occurrence and non-occurrence of inflammation by microorganism causing it, it is divided into two types: infective and non- infective.

Expert Solution & Answer
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Explanation of Solution

Infective endocarditis is the inflammation of the endocardium layer of the heart and heart valve by the microorganism. It is also known as subacute bacterial endocarditis when caused by the bacterial infection (SBE). People with SBE often have a high level of antibodies in their serum against the infective bacteria, this leads to the formation of immune complexes. Immune complexes are formed when antibodies bind to the antigen, these complexes can settle in kidney and joints and activates the complement system causing destruction through inflammation. The immune complexes formed in endocarditis lodge in the skin, eyes and other body parts and trigger the inflammatory response causing a greater damage to organs.

Conclusion

Therefore, it is concluded that the formation of the immune complex during the endocarditis leads to the destructive inflammation of organs.

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