oral ecology Flashcards
what is a pathogen?
an organism capable of causing disease
what is virulence?
the ability to cause severe disease
what is the lifecycle of a pathogen?
enter attach colonise evade host immunity produce harmful proteins disseminate release from host
what effects in the body can interactions between microorganisms cause?
stroke gum disease diabetes bad breath tooth loss dental decay lung conditions heart disease
what is a microbiome?
all microorganisms in a particular ecosystem
how is resident flora acquired?
from delivery
-vaginally-delivered babies differs from c-section
from feeding
-nature of flora changes depending on bottle/breast
what are benefits of the normal flora?
synthesize and secrete vitamins
-K, B12
prevent colonization by pathogens
-compete for attachment
may antagonize other bacteria
stimulate the development of certain tissues
stimulate the prod. of cross-reactive antibodies
what are positive effects of the host-microbiome symbiosis?
supports host defence functions anti-inflammatory additional metabolic potential antioxidant activity healthy GIT resistance to pathogens reg. CVS
what do mice raised in a germ-free environment display?
decreased nutrient absorption less developed intestines vitamin deficiency underdeveloped immune system heightened sensitivity to pathogens
what are native microbes?
normally found in the body
what are introduced microbes?
suddenly arrive at new residence in the body
what barriers prevent microbes entering the gut?
low pH saliva and bile immune system fining attachment site in intestinal wall surviving a widely varied diet
what effect do antibiotics have on the microbiome?
kill infectious bacteria but also disrupt natural flora = yeast infections, digestive problems
what effect do chemo drugs have on the microbiome?
side effects eg upset stomach
what prevents the wide variety of microbes entering the oral cavity from surviving?
saliva, pH, temp, immune system
oral antibiotics
brushing/flossing
native oral microbes form barrier on teeth and gums
