Section 3
Penetrating Host Defenses
Book
Version 6
By Boundless
By Boundless
Boundless Microbiology
Microbiology
by Boundless
3 concepts
![Thumbnail](../../../../../../figures.boundless-cdn.com/15824/square/ecolicris051-fig2.jpeg)
Penetrating Host Defenses
Although humans host many beneficial bacteria, certain pathogens can penetrate host defenses and cause illness or disease.
![Thumbnail](../../../../../../figures.boundless-cdn.com/10935/raw/conjugation.jpg)
Pili and Pilus Assembly
Attachment of bacteria to host surfaces often aided by pili or fimbrae is required for colonization during infection or to initiate formation of a biofilm.
![Thumbnail](../../../../../../figures.boundless-cdn.com/16034/square/biofilm.jpeg)
Biofilms and Infections
Biofilms will form on virtually every non-shedding surface in a non-sterile aqueous (or very humid) environment.