Normal Flora Flashcards
1
Q
Which of the sites that harbor a known normal biota?
A
- Skin and its adjacent mucous membranes
- respiratory tract and lungs
- G.I. tract
- outer opening of the urethra
- external genitalia
- Vagina
- external ear canal
- external eye (lids, conjunctiva)
2
Q
Which are the anatomical sites and fluids thought to be sterile
A
- Heart and circulatory system
- liver
- kidneys and bladder
- brain and spinal cord
- muscles
- bones
- ovaries and testes
- glands ( pancreas, salivary, thyroid )
- sinuses
- middle and inner ear
- blood
- urine
- cerebral spinal fluid
- saliva prior to entering the oral cavity
- semen prior to entering the urethra
- amniotic fluid surrounding the embryo and fetus
3
Q
Which are the factors that the normal flora is dependent on?
A
- Age
- sex
- stress
- nutrition and diet
- hygiene
4
Q
How does the flora maintain health?
A
- it occupies binding sites so that pathogens can’t become established
- produce bacterial toxins that kill other bacteria
- secrete vitamins B and K
5
Q
What are conditions that can increase the risk for disease by normal flora acting as opportunistic pathogens?
A
- Age
- overall health: infection, cancer, diabetes, malnutrition
- immunosuppressive therapy: chemotherapy, radiation therapy
- stress
- hygiene
6
Q
Name two diseases of the normal flora
A
- Bacterial vaginosis
- pseudo-membranous colitis ( seen in people with long-term antibiotic therapy )
