Host-Microbe Interactions Flashcards
What is the microbiome?
All prokaryotic and eukaryotic microorganisms and their genetic material associated with a certain organism or environment.
What are the two types of microbiota within the human microbiome?
- Resident microbiota
- Transient microbiota
Define resident microbiota.
Microbes that constantly live in or on our bodies.
Define transient microbiota.
Microbes that are only temporarily found in the human body; may include pathogenic microorganisms.
What factors can alter both resident and transient microbiota?
- Hygiene
- Diet
What is symbiosis?
Any interaction between different species that are associated with each other within a community.
What continuum do interactions in a symbiotic relationship fall along?
Between opposition and cooperation.
What are virulence factors?
Contribute to an organism’s ability to cause disease.
What are exoenzymes and toxins?
Allow pathogens to invade host tissue and cause damage.
What is an endotoxin?
Lipid A component of LPS of Gram-negative envelope.
What are exotoxins?
Proteins secreted mainly by Gram-positive bacteria; also secreted by Gram-negative bacteria.
How do capsules assist bacterial pathogens?
Help evade the immune system and avoid phagocytosis by WBCs.
What role do adhesins play in infections?
Initiating infections by viruses.
What mechanisms do Influenza viruses use to avoid immune recognition?
- Antigenic drift
- Antigenic shift
What is mutualism?
Both populations benefit.
What is commensalism?
One population benefits, and the other population is unaffected.
What is neutralism?
Both populations are unaffected by one another.
What is parasitism?
One population benefits and the other population is harmed.
What is amensalism?
One population is harmed, and the other population is unaffected.
What occurs during the incubation period of infectious disease?
Initial entry of pathogen into the host; time the pathogen begins multiplying.
What happens during the prodromal period?
Pathogen continues to multiply, and the host begins to experience general signs and symptoms.
What characterizes the period of illness?
Signs and symptoms of the disease are most obvious and severe.
What occurs during the period of decline?
Number of pathogen particles decreases, and signs and symptoms begin to decline.
What is the convalescent phase?
The patient generally returns to normal functions; some diseases may inflict permanent damage.
