107. Among the following, the feature that does NOT contribute to host tropism in bacterial
pathogenesis is
1. Genomic information of pathogen
2. Genomic information of host
3. Body temperature of the host
4. Adhesins and pilins of pathogen

Question:

Among the following, the feature that does NOT contribute to host tropism in bacterial pathogenesis is:

1. Genomic information of pathogen

2. Genomic information of host

3. Body temperature of the host

4. Adhesins and pilins of pathogen

Correct Answer:

2. Genomic information of host

Explanation:

Host tropism refers to the ability of a pathogen to infect and establish an infection in a specific host species or tissue. Several factors contribute to this phenomenon, and understanding these elements can help explain why certain pathogens infect specific hosts and tissues more efficiently than others.

Here’s a breakdown of each of the options:

1. Genomic information of pathogen:
   This feature does contribute to host tropism. The genomic makeup of a pathogen dictates its ability to recognize, invade, and survive within specific host organisms. This includes the presence of genes that code for adhesins, toxins, and enzymes that help the pathogen adhere to host cells and evade immune defenses.

2. Genomic information of host:
   This feature does NOT directly contribute to host tropism in bacterial pathogenesis. While the host’s immune response and genetic makeup can influence how it responds to an infection, the genomic information of the host is not a primary factor in determining the pathogen’s ability to infect the host. Pathogens generally evolve to recognize specific host receptors, and while host genetics can affect susceptibility, it is the pathogen’s genetic traits that are more important for infection.

3. Body temperature of the host:
   The body temperature of the host does contribute to host tropism. Many pathogens have adapted to thrive at specific body temperatures, which is why some bacteria are more likely to infect certain species. For instance, human pathogens typically grow well at the body temperature of humans (around 37°C), while others might only infect cold-blooded animals.

4. Adhesins and pilins of pathogen:
   These features do contribute to host tropism. Adhesins are surface proteins that allow bacteria to adhere to specific receptors on host cells, and pilins are proteins that make up pili, which facilitate attachment to host tissues. These structures play a crucial role in determining which host cells a bacterium can infect.

Conclusion:

The correct answer is 2. Genomic information of host, as it does not directly influence host tropism in bacterial pathogenesis. The pathogen’s ability to adapt and infect is largely governed by its own genomic traits, adhesion molecules, and environmental factors, such as body temperature.