Bacterial capsule – encapsulated bacteria are adherent and highly resistant to phagocytosis
Endotoxin – the presence of endotoxin in the gram negative bacterial cell envelop activates the plasma protein systems
Endospores – some bacteria can produce spores that survive in a latent state tnhat is resistant to environmental extremes and lack of nutrients
Able to produce exotoxins which result in host cell dysfunction or lysis