Could someone tell me what an "encapsulated bacteria" is and give me examples? Is Bartonella H an encapsulted bacteria?
[ 03-01-2009, 12:58 AM: Message edited by: Sabina ]
Posted by tcw (Member # 15698) on :
Encapsulated bacteria have an additional polysaccharide coating outside the cell wall, it helps them avoid immune defenses in the case of human pathogenic bacteria. Neisseria meninigiditis which causes bacterial meningitis is an example - encapsulated bacteria that are human pathogens are usually pretty serious or deadly.
I do not believe that B. henselae is encapsulated.