Introduction to Infection & Immunity WK1

Question 1

Definition of a pathogen?

Answer 1

• An organism capable of causing disease

Question 2

Definition of infection?

Answer 2

The pathological state resulting from the ‘invasion’ of the body by pathogenic microorganisms

Question 3

What are the two types of pathogen

Answer 3

-A ‘primary’ pathogen is always associated with causing infectious disease (e.g SARS-COV-2 and HIV)

-An ‘opportunistic’ pathogen does not cause infections in healthy people but may do so if the opportunity arises ( e.g E.coli)

Question 4

Who is at risk of Opportunistic infections?

Answer 4

-Patients with a weakened immune system
– Insufficient immune response to inactivate/remove the microorganism

Question 5

What site has normal flora and which don’t ?

Answer 5

With-Gut, Skin, Female reproductive tract

Without-Internal Organs , Tissues and circulatory system and Lower respiratory tract

Question 6

What are 5 main subtypes of immunoglobulins

Answer 6

IgG, IgA, IgM, IgD, IgE

Question 7

What is the role of the immune system?

Answer 7

-To contain an infection
-To destroy ‘invading’ organisms

Question 8

What is an immunogen?

Answer 8

Immunogen is an antigen that is recognized by immune system and responses against it

Question 9

What is the role of innate and acquired immune system?

Answer 9

Innate- initial, rapid, relatively non-specific response

Acquired- Longer term(1-2 weeks) , more specific response and more efficient