Chapter 15 Microbial mechanisms of pathogenicity Flashcards
what is pathogenicity?
the ability for a pathogen to cause disease
Know why virulence is important.
virulence is how dangerous/deadly a pathogen is
(the degree of pathogenicity)
What are the three major routes of microbial entry?
mucus membranes
skin
parenteral route
how can microbes gain entry through our mucus membranes?
through the respiratory tract (breathing)
gastrointestinal tract (swallowing)
genitourinary tract (urethra)
conjunctive (eyes)
how can microbes gain entry through our skin?
hair follicles
sweat glands
how can microbes gain entry through our parenteral route?
microbes get put directly into skin (via puncture wounds)
What is the number 1 portal of microbial entry?
mucus membranes
How would someone get microbial entry from the respiratory tract?
breathing in through nose or mouth
How would someone get microbial entry from the gastrointestinal tract?
food, water, contaminated fingers
How would someone get microbial entry from the genitourinary tract?
sexually contracted
How would someone get microbial entry from the conjunctiva?
from rubbing eyes
Why is the preferred route important?
certain bacteria cannot survive on/in some regions of the body but can flourish in other
(for example, Streptococcus pneumonia cannot cause disease if swallowed but can flourish if inhaled.)
What is the definition of ID50?
infectious dose for 50% sample populations (measures virulence of a microbe)
What is the definition of LD50?
lethal dose for 50% of sample population (measures potency of a toxin)
The lower the ID, the more or less virulent?
the lower the ID, the more virulent it is