MMB04 Bacterial Growth And Control Of Microbial Growth Flashcards
Where are microorganisms usually found on the body
On the skin and on mucous surfaces.
They should not be found on or in external organs, blood, lymph and nervous system
Are microorganisms usually pathogenic or benign
Most, but not all pathogens are benign
When are mammals exposed to microorganisms
Since mamas develop in a sterile environment, they are only exposed to microorganisms after birth from skin contact, feeding and being exposed to the environment
What is colonisation
When microorganisms begin to grow after gaining access to host tissues
Why are microorganisms important in gut health
They synthesise important vitamins like B12 and K. Some studies link a healthy gut micro biome to weight loss and mental health
How do microorganisms cause infections in mucus membranes
They may associate loosely to the mucus membrane
They may adhere strongly to the mucous and epithelial cells
They may invade deeper into the epithelial cells
What does infection mean
When a microorganisms is established and growing inside a host. This may not always be damaging to the host
What does disease mean
The damage caused to the host by the microorganisms
What is pathogenicity
The ability of a pathogen to inflict damage onto a host
What causes variation in pathogenicity
The identity of the pathogen
The susceptibility of the host
What is an opportunistic pathogen
A pathogen that only causes disease in the absence of the hosts normal resistance
What is virulence
The quantitive measure for a pathogenicity. It is the relative ability for the pathogen to cause disease
What are exotoxins
Toxic proteins released by the pathogen as it grows. They travel from the site of infection to distant areas
What are the three types of exotoxins
Cytolitic toxins
AB toxins
Superantigen toxins
What are cytolytic exotoxins
They degrade cytoplasmic membrane integrity possibly causing lysis
