Pathogens and immunity Flashcards
4 types of micro organisms who can cause diseases
Virus, Bacteria, Protoctists and Fungi
Diseases they cause (Virus)
Common cold, influenza, AIDS
Diseases they cause (Bacteria)
Cholera, syphilis, whooping cough
Diseases they cause (Protoctists)
Malaria, amoebic dysentery
Diseases they cause (Fungi)
Athlete’s foot, ringworm
Transmissible diseases
A disease in which the pathogen can be passed from one host to another.
Mechanical Barriers
Mechanical barriers — which include the skin , mucous membranes , and fluids such as tears and urine — physically block pathogens from entering the body.
Keratin
Thick outer layer of the skin made of dead cells, containing a protein.
Chemical Barriers
Chemical barriers — such as enzymes in sweat , saliva , and semen — kill pathogens on body surfaces. other examples include hydrochloric acid in the stomach, mucus
How are Antibodies Produced?
Antibodies are produced by lymphocytes (WBC)
Antibodies
An antibody is a protein produced by the body’s immune system when it detects harmful substances, called antigens. Examples of antigens include microorganisms (bacteria, fungi, parasites, and viruses) and chemicals. Each type of antibody is unique and defends the body against one specific type of antigen.
Memory cells
When a pathogen enters the body, the lymphocytes create a antibody for it. after the pathogen has been destroys the anti bodies remain in the blood so if the pathogen enters the body again they will immediately destroy them. These are called memory cells
Active Immunity
Defense against a pathogen by antibody production in the body
Passive Immunity
Short-term defense against a pathogen by antibodies acquired from another individual, such as mother to infant.
Auto immune diseases
Autoimmune disease happens when the body’s natural defense system can’t tell the difference between your own cells and foreign cells, causing the body to mistakenly attack normal cells.
