Bacteria Flashcards
describe the characteristics of bacteria
single celled prokaryotes
long circular DNA (+/- plasmids)
surrounded by complex cell wall and possibly capsule
wide range of aerobic/anaerobic metabolic patterns and biochemical variations
how do bacterial cells reproduce?
binary fission
describe the relationship between humans and colonised bacteria
mutualistic, normal flora, acquired soon after birth and changes with age
what are the benefits of colonised bacteria in the body?
competition between pathogens inhibits infections
vitamins K and B in the gut produced as metabolic end-products
immune stimulation
name sterile body sites
blood, tissues and organ systems
CNS
lower resp. tract
sinuses, inner/middle ear
renal system (to post. urethra)
female reproductive tract (to cervix)
eye
name some states of infections bacteria can cause
oppertunistic infection
nosocomial infection
carrier state
parasite
transient/chronic
what microbial factors cause bacteria to successfully infect?
colonisation factors
invasive factors
toxigenicity
antigenic mimicry/masking/shift
encapsulation
manipulation of immune response
explain what is meant by colonisation
adherence, attachment
give an example of a gram positive coccus
staphylococcus aureus
give an example of a gram positive bacillus
clostridium difficile (c. diff)
give an example of a gram negative coccus
neisseria meningitidis
give an example of a gram negative bacillus
e. coli
