[Bacterial pathogenicity factors: their functions in the environment].

On the basis of literature data and the results of experimental studies the concept of the universal character of the main pathogenicity factors of bacteria (adhesion, enzymes, toxins, resistance to phagocytosis) as the adaptive mechanisms of bacterial populations under different ecological conditions, including their existence in the environment, has been put forward. Resistance of bacteria to phagocytosis as the mechanism of their protection from predators (protozoa, etc.), necessary for the existence bacteria in the ecological systems of water and soil, is considered in detail.