CMB1003/L09 Host-Pathogen Interactions Flashcards
What is pathogenicity, or virulence factors?
Structures, molecules or regulatory systems that enable the disease process
What drives pathogenicity?
Adhesion to epithelial surface or invasion of underlying tissue
What must bacteria to do to become a pathogen?
Get into a place where they shouldn’t be
Approximately how many pathogens make up the microbiome?
10^13
How can pathogens adhere to mucosal surfaces? (2)
Subvert host cell function (extracellular)
Invade underlying tissue (invasive)
What is the role of polysaccharide capsules on pathogens? (3)
Physical barriers to desiccation
Immune masks
Aid adherence
What is the role of the bacterial capsule?
Encases bacterial cell
Provided resistance against immune recognition, phagocytosis & complement killing
Precursor to biofilm formation
Cell surface appendages promote initial interactions with which surfaces?
Host tissues
Medical devices e.g., catheters
Abiotic surfaces in industry
What do structures offer to pathogens? (4)
Physical defence
Nutrition
Intercellular communication
Exchange of genetic material
Describe the 4 stages of biofilm formation.
Adsorption
Irreversible attachment
Growth and division
Mature macrocolony
What is the likely default mode of growth for bacteria in nature?
Biofilms
What are fimbriae capped by?
Sugar-binding, lectin-like proteins
Describe type 1 fimbriae. (2)
CUP type adhesin
Found widely in Gram -ves
What does FimH have a specific affinity for?
Mannose
How are pili different from fimbriae? (3)
Pili are longer, less abundant and involved in genetic exchange