Why does disease causing bacteria have a thick cell wall?

Disease-causing bacteria have a thick cell wall primarily for protection and structural support. The cell wall acts as a barrier that helps the bacteria resist environmental stresses, such as changes in temperature, pH, and osmotic pressure. It also helps protect the bacteria from being attacked by the host's immune system and from being killed by antibiotics.

Additionally, the cell wall of bacteria contains specific molecules, such as peptidoglycan, that are essential for the bacteria's survival and growth. These molecules provide structural integrity to the cell wall and help maintain the shape of the bacteria. The thickness and composition of the cell wall can vary among different species of bacteria, and these differences can contribute to the bacteria's ability to cause disease and evade the host's immune response.