Ellyn H.

February 10, 2015

Osteomyelitis
Our bodies are supported by a system bones,
they make us tougher and stronger than stones;
the skeletal system is fearless and free,
thats as we think, but we will soon see.
Theres a certain disease thats yet to be known,
it will always cause harm but never atone.
Osteomyelitis, repeat it with me,
the bones worst nightmare, to a certain degree.
First it invades, this biotic disease,
What is biotic? my best friend might tease.
They are multicellular, having more than one cell,
and the cells are living, does that ring a bell?
Osteomyelitis will get underneath,
with bacterial armies armed to the teeth.
Most prone to infection, the longest of bones,
hips, shoulders and wrists, exemplifies Holmes.
Once it is settled, the disease sets to work,
the bone marrow starts swelling, never to smirk;
Outer layers of bone, a rigid stone wall,
are pressed by tissues, swollen and all.
Blood vessels in bone are squeezed and compressed,
the river of blood, circulation suppressed.
Without enough blood, the bone will pass on,
and infection will spread, forming pus set upon.
But before this can happen, some heroes may come,
the immune system knows and will get rid of scum.
The first to arrive, more blood for the weak,
then T-Cells and B-Cells, whats up? they might speak.
When harm is detected, signals are sent,
for antigens were found, and things are now urgent.
When news is received, neutrophils dispatch,
riding on histamines, with some bad guys to catch.

Histamines bring warmth, heating the blood,

pumping it faster and causing a flood.
Temperatures rise, and bacteria perish,
but things just began, as B-cells establish.
B-Cells give birth and plasma cells rise,
they produce antibodies, strategic and wise.
These antibodies have have plans, and they use them quick,
lashing onto bacteria, playing a trick.
This renders them harmless, immobilized to mill,
a target for macrophages, and neutrophils to kill.
Immune systems wont win, but they always try,
for bacteria can also be cunning and sly.
Strategies are formed, and immune systems deceived,
molecular mimicry, the first one relieved.
Bacteria using this are masters of disguise,
they copy the body genetically, in both shape and size.
This plan is effective, as the system aint dumb,
it wont attack itself, thats the rule of the thumb.
Yet another way to invade without sounding the alarm,
to suppress the antibodies, getting rid of harm.
The cells that are targeted, they keep them away,
the tables are turned, and the predator is prey;
But the show isnt over, this disease still has ideas,
to hide inside cells, smart in many areas.
No signals triggered, and bacteria set up camp.
They multiply and train, a glorious revamp.
When they have regrouped, they set out once more,
determined to invade and bring health to the floor.
The battle goes on, day after day,
but the immune system stands, keeping harm at bay.
Osteomyelitis indeed is dangerous and real,
but the immune system opposes with a great and right zeal.