The mechanism of phagocytosis follows these steps:

  1. The bacteria enters the body
  2. The immune system releases phagocytes
  3. The bacteria is ingested by the cell
  4. Phagocytes digest the microorganism
  5. Cells reject waste.

Most often, this mechanism is sufficient to ensure the total elimination of microbes present in the wound. Sometimes microbes resist this phagocytosis and the infection can then progress.