Question

In s. pneumoniae, the presence of a capsule is a factor that defines the more virulent (likely to cause severe disease) strain. What is most likely to be a reason for this?

Answer 1

The Smooth Streptococcus pneumoniae, which is the one with the Capsule is Virulent. The bacteria causes the disease due to the presence of capsule which helps to escape the host.

In Streptococcus pneumonia, there exist two categories:

1. Bacteria not having the capsule which is called the Rough Streptococcus Pneumoniae. It is Non-Virulent i.e. it does not cause any harm to the host.

2. Bacteria having the capsule which is called the Smooth Streptococcus pneumoniae.  It is Virulent i.e. it does cause harm to the host by causing the disease.

The presence of capsule provides protection to the bacterium allowing it to escape from the immune system of the host. As a result, the host's immune system cannot recognize and invade the disease-causing bacteria allowing the bacteria to harm the host body.

Learn more about Streptococcus pneumoniae here, https://brainly.com/question/22774534

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