Chapter 11 Flashcards
Microbe
- Refers to all types of microscopic organisms (bacteria, fungi, protozoa, viruses)
Not all microbes pathogenic
General characteristics of bacteria
- smallest, simplest organisms viewable only through microscope
- most dominant living organisms on planet
- have existed longer than any other life on planet
- reproduce quickly and adapt quickly
Enhanced bacterial survival and reproduction in host
Structure of the Bacterial cell envelope
- Complex multilayered structure that protects microorganism from unpredictable and inhospitable external environment
- Gram staining
Classifies bacteria based on cell envelope structure
All bacteria either gram-positive or gram-negative
Gram staining
-Depending on permeability of stain through cell envelope, when viewed under light microscope, bacteria appear either:
- Purple (positive)
- Pink (negative)
Gram-positive bacteria (purple)
- Single thick multilayered mesh like cell wall composed of peptidoglycan
Lies above cytoplasmic membrane facing interior of cell
Binds and retains purple color when stained with crystal violet dye
Gram-Negative bacteria (pink)
- Outer membrane faces external environment
Composed of proteins and lipopolysacharides
LPS play major role in pathogenesis of gram-negative bacterial infections - Inner cytoplasmic membrane faces interior of cell
- Thin, single-layer cell wall between membranes
Made of peptidoglycan; does not readily absorb violet dye
Bacteria are “social creatures”
-Interact with one another
- Live together in complex microbial communities
Contain different species of microbes that are spatially organized within community
Microbial communities
- Most microbes live in complex poly microbial biofilm communities attached to living or nonliving surfaces
- What is biofilm
Complex, dynamic microbial community embedded within matrix adhered to living or nonliving surface
MAy be responsible for 65% of diseases
Where do biofilms form
- Everywhere in nature
- Can exist on any solid surface exposed to microbe-containing fluid
0 Can be prevalent in natural, industrial and hospital settings
Typical Timeline for biofilm formation
Within minutes:
- Free floating microbes attach to surface
Within 2-4 hours:
-Microbes form strongly attached micro colonies
Within 6-12 hours:
- Microbes produce initial extracellular matric
Hoe do mature biofilms protect bacteria
- Blocking
Preventing large molecules from penetrating matrix - Mutual protection
Protecting one another (and sometimes host) - Hibernation (quiescence)
Laying dormant until conditions become more favorable
Oral biofilms
Polymicrobial, three-dimensial community embedded in protective matrix that consists of microbial metabolic products and/or host componens
Resident microbes of the oral cavity
- Commensal bacteria are part of normal flora in mouth
Prevent colonization by opportunistic pathogenic bacteria
Comprise biofilm found on all epithelial-lined surfaces - Symbiotic relationship with host
Contribute to host nutrition, maintain robust immune system and provide cover over mucous membranes
Host provides nutrients, stable environment for survival
Early dysbiosis
-Dysbiosis is microbial imbalance on or inside body
Can result if certain species of microbes become dominant
Occurs when oral biofilm not disrupted frequently
Leads to gingival inflammation
Established dysbiosis
- symbiotic host-microbe relationship becomes pathogenic
-triggers inappropriate, excessive host response that results in irreversible periodontal tissue damage