CHAPTER 13: INTRO Flashcards
microbe human interactions: how do humans and microorganisms interact?
with development of biofilms
what is normal flora?
normal mutual or commensal relationship with the body
what is an infection?
when pathogenic microbes penetrate the host and enter tissue to MULTIPLY
what is a pathogen?
an infectious agent
what is an infectious disease?
an infection that causes damage or disruption to tissue and organs
what areas of the body can come in contact with external microbes?
- skin
- mucuous membranes
- upper resp tract
- GI tract
- urethra opening
- external genitalia
- vagina
- ear canal
- external eye (lash, follicle, lids)
internal organs contact w microbes
they are microbe free
transients
microbes in the body for SHORT amount of time
residents
microbes that become established
microbial antagonism?
bacterial flora prevents overgrowth of harmful microbes in the body
endogenous infections
normal flora is introduced to a site that was previously sterile
- infection caused by a pathogen that was present in their body prior to infection
uterus and infants:
- sterility
- flora
- sterile until just before birth
- breaking fetal membrane exposes infant, feeding/handling infant will introduce what will develop into their normal flora
how do you change transients? residents?
transients: hygiene
residents: stable and predictable, they are less influenced by hygiene
variations in flora of gi tract reasons?
exposure to environment and variations in the flora distribution is due to changes in conditions: temp, pH, oxygen, anatomy etc….
where is most of the flora? where is it most diverse?
large intestine, rectum, and mouth
most diverse in the mouth