Bacterial adhesion to human is mediated via the pili in several bacteria. Upon bacterial adhesion to epithelial cells, the target cell releases cytokines (such as Interleukin 8 and C5a), which recruits neutrophil granulocytes, most often called polymorphonuclear cells (PMNs) to the site of infection.
It is becoming increasingly apparent that the human cell cycle is affected by bacterial infections. Many bacterial pathogens manipulate the host cell cycle to benefit bacterial attachment, survival and growth within the host.
Lactobacilli act as a first line of defense against infections by preventing colonization of pathogenic bacteria. A disruption of the population balance or depletion of lactobacilli increases the incidence of bacterial infections.
