Pathogenesis Flashcards
What is normal flora?
The microorganisms the human body is home to
What is pathogenesis?
The disease causing process
What is pathogenicity?
The pathogens ability to inflict damage on the host and cause disease
What is virulence?
The relative ability of an organism to overcome the bodies defences and cause disease
High virulent organisms require ________ to cause disease
Few organisms
Low virulent organisms require ________ to cause disease
Many organisms
What are primary pathogens?
Those which cause disease in healthy individuals
What are opportunistic pathogens?
Can be part of the normal body flora
- Cause disease when the body’s defences are impaired
- Cause disease when competitors are removed
What are carriers?
Carry the pathogen but have no symptoms themselves
What are virulence factors?
Compounds which aid in the establishment and maintenance of the organism in the host and the disease caused by the organism
- Many are enzymes
What are endotoxins?
Lipopolysaccharides which are part of the outer layer of cell envelope of gram negative bacteria
How are lipopolysaccharides anchored to the membrane?
Via lipid A
What is lipid A responsible for?
Causing endotoxic shock
What are they symptoms caused by endotoxins?
Fever Diarrhoea Vomiting Inflammation Reduced number of cells in the immune system
Are endotoxins fatal?
Rarely except in immuno-compromised individuals
