Which immune component is the first responder if skin is cut with glass contaminated with Staphylococcus aureus?

The first responders to an injury, such as a cut on the skin, are neutrophils. Neutrophils are a type of white blood cell that plays a crucial role in the innate immune response. They are typically the first cells to arrive at the site of an infection or tissue damage due to their rapid mobilization from the bloodstream to areas of inflammation.

When the skin is cut and pathogens like Staphylococcus aureus enter the body, neutrophils are attracted to the site through a process called chemotaxis, which is driven by inflammatory mediators released from damaged tissues and pathogens. Once they reach the area, neutrophils engage in phagocytosis, where they engulf and destroy bacteria, and they also release antimicrobial substances that further help to eliminate pathogens.

While macrophages are important in the immune response, they tend to arrive after neutrophils and play a key role in cleaning up debris and orchestrating a longer-term immune response. Basophils and eosinophils have roles in allergic reactions and combating parasitic infections, but they are not directly involved in the initial response to bacterial infections like Staphylococcus aureus. Thus, the rapid response of neutrophils emphasizes their critical role as the first line of defense