A+pathogen+DB

Pick a Pathogen (wiki assignment) or pick something that can cause your immune system to respond like it is facing a pathogen (allergy or autoimmune disease or organ transplant etc.) Talk about the cause and the effect. I expect the amount of work you would put into a regular wiki assignment. Make about 10 points. Images would be nice. Links to sources.



Streptococcus bacteria- - Streptococcus is a bacillus that causes illness such as strep throat, pneumonia, meningitis and even some "flesh-eating" bacteria.

- Streptococcus is one of the most frequent pathogens found in humans and about 5-15% of people have it in them. The bacteria can be found in the respiratory tract without showing any signs.

- It is successful as a pathogen because it is able to colonize and rapidly multiple in a host, while confusing the immune system.

- Penicillin is effective in treating a certain group of the virus, but other types may not have a treatment.

- All streptococcus have a cell wall containing muamic acid and glucosamine.

- Streptococcus bacteria come in chains and are almost spherical.

- It is a gram-positive bacteria that can be found in animals such as horses, pigs, and cows.

- In humans, the bacteria usually is found in the mouth, nose, and pharynx, but can also be seen in the skin, heart and muscle tissue.

- The types of streptococcus bacteria are classsified based on the M protein that is found on their surface.

-Group A of the virus can be found worldwide.

Sources

http://www.dhpe.org/infect/strepa.html

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Streptococcus

http://www.textbookofbacteriology.net/streptococcus.html