Lecture 2: Host-Parasite Relationship Flashcards
Define Symbiosis?
Organise that need each other to survive
Close association of two dissimilar organisms
Mutualism?
All participants benefit
Commensalism?
One benefits and the other is not harmed
Parasitism?
Parasite benefits and other is harmed
Predation?
Parasite actively hunts host
Competition?
Organisms fight against each other
What type of environment is human body for microbes?
Is a diverse environment in which specific niches are present and dynamic relationships exist.
What organisms make up the normal microbiota of human body?
Mainly bacteria (+1000 species). Few eukaryotic fungi (algae) and protists (protozoa). Some ArchaeBacteria at lower G.I tract.
Micro-biome?
All genes of host & microbiota
Total Microbial load of human body?
Greater than 100 trillion microbial cells
Reasons to study human microbiota?
Gain insight into possible infection resulting from injury.
Understand consequences of overgrowth of microbes usually absent.
Increase awareness of role-played by indigenous microbes in stimulating immune responses.
Factors influencing the composition of normal flora?
Anatomical site. Age. Sex. Diet & Nutrition. Environmental. Developmental changes.
What is Nosocomial?
Something picked up from hospital or health facility.
What is a opportunistic pathogen?
normal microbiota that produce disease under certain conditions
What does normal flora have to gain from host?
- Supply of Nutrients
- Stable environment
- Constant Temperature
- Protection
- Transport
What does the host obtain from normal flora in mutualism?
- Nutritional benefits
- Stimulation of the immune system
- Exclusion of potential pathogens
- Antagonism of pathogens
Benefits of having normal flora in human body?
- Provide essential nutrients
- Prevent colonisation by pathogens
- Antagonise other bacteria
- Stimulate development of immune system
What is tissue tropism?
This is specific organisms at specific sites.
Describe the environment of skin?
It is generally considered to be an inhospitable environment with slight acidic pH. It has high concentration of NaCl and is generally low moisture environment. Bacteria numbers are usually low.
What areas of skin will have the highest number of microbes?
Areas high in moisture most protected from the outside environment.
What is a microbiota called that is not usual found at the site of interest?
Transient Microbes.
Microbiota that are usually found at site of interest?
Residential Microbes.
What types of microflora are found at entrance of orifice?
Mixed flora
What is the main type of microbiota found on the skin?
Consists largely of Micrococci and corynebacteria.
- Staphylococcus Epidermis (90%)
- Micrococcus luteus
What type of microflora live below skin follicles, sweat and sebaceous glands?
Anaerobes (eg. Propionibacterium acnes)