Outrageously Funny Word Definitions :: Hammer Infection

👉 The hammer, or more specifically, the hammer-like structure of certain bacteria, plays a crucial role in their infection process. These bacteria, such as
Neisseria meningitidis
and
Streptococcus pneumoniae
, possess a specialized appendage called a flagellum, which resembles a biological hammer. This structure is used to inject toxins and other virulence factors directly into host cells. When the bacteria attach to the host's respiratory tract, the flagella propel them forward, enabling them to reach and invade deeper tissues, including the meninges (the protective membranes covering the brain and spinal cord). Once inside, these toxins can disrupt cellular functions, leading to inflammation, tissue damage, and potentially severe infections like meningitis or pneumonia. The hammer-like flagellum thus serves as a key mechanism by which these pathogens establish and propagate their infections.

hammer:infection