What do we mean by mechanisms of pathogenicity?
A) Adherence: Pathogens adhere to host cells or tissues, allowing them to colonize and establish infection.
B) Invasion: Pathogens penetrate host barriers such as epithelial cells or mucosal surfaces to gain access to deeper tissues.
C) Toxin production: Pathogens produce toxins that damage host cells or interfere with host physiological processes.
D) Evasion of host defenses: Pathogens evade or suppress the host immune response, allowing them to persist and cause disease.