Infection and the Non-Specific Immune Response

Question 1

How are pathogens able to enter the human body?

Answer 1

1. Cuts in skin
2. Contaminated food/drink
3. Inhalation
4. Other mucosal surfaces (nose, mouth, genitals)

Question 2

What barriers does the human body have in order to prevent infection?

Answer 2

1. Skin
2. Stomach acid
3. Gut and skin flora
4. Lysozymes

Question 3

How does gut and skin flora prevent infection?

Answer 3

• They compete with pathogens for space and nutrients.

- This limits the number of pathogens able to survive in/on the body, making it harder for them to infect the body

Question 4

What are gut and skin flora?

Answer 4

Harmless microorganisms that live on our skin and in our gut

Question 5

What are lysozymes?

Answer 5

Digestive enzymes that kill bacteria

Question 6

How do lysozymes kill bacteria?

Answer 6

They break down the bacteria’s cell wall, causing them to lyse

Question 7

What are inflammation, phagocytes and the production of interferon involved in ?

Answer 7

The non-specific immune response