Key Terminology and Definitions Flashcards
opportunistic pathogen
primarily affects individuals with weakened immune systems or underlying health conditions
Pseudomonas aeruginosa
- opportunistic pathogen
- significant cause of healthcare-associated infections, particularly in hospital settings – colonize medical devices as well as sinks and showers
- intrinsic antibiotic resistance
- capable of forming biofilms, which are communities of bacteria encased in a protective matrix, enhancing antiobiotic resistance by resisting the host immune response
- can survive in diverse environmental conditions (temp/nutrients)
Acinetobacter
Acinetobacter baumannii - most clinically relevant
opportunistic pathogen
- significant cause of healthcare-associated infections, particularly in hospital settings – colonize medical devices as well as sinks and showers
- intrinsic antibiotic resistance
- capable of forming biofilms, which are communities of bacteria encased in a protective matrix, enhancing antiobiotic resistance by resisting the host immune response
coliform microflora.
Gram-negative non-spore-forming bacilli, which degrade lactose into acids and gas within 48 h
pathogenesis
Pan-resistant klebsiella
= resistant to all drugs
MRSA bacteria and testing for it
LPS
enteric and subsequent translocation
VRSA bacteria
VRE (e.g Enterococcus spp)
viralence factors
receptor mediated colonisation in a bacterial infection
toxin
a protein that negatively changes cellular processes
toxigenic effects include:
Metagenomic analysis
Symbiosis
interaction between two different organisms living in close physical association, typically to the advantage of both
Commensalism
both members may benefit from symbiosis (interaction of organisms),
e.g. gut bacteria are provided the a suitable environmental niche (correct oxygen requirement, source of nutrients etc), host receives vitamins they are unable to synthesise themselves (e.g. K12)
