Pathogens: Routes of entry

Question 1

Name 6 ways in which pathogens can enter the body

Answer 1

Fomites
Vectors
Direct contact
Inhalation
Inoculation
Ingestion

Question 2

2 examples of vectorborne diseases

Answer 2

Dengue
Malaria

Question 3

How does inhalation transmit diseases?

Answer 3

Droplets from respiratory tract will be suspended in the air when an infected person coughs or sneezes
These droplets contain the pathogen and can infect someone upon inhalation

Question 4

2 examples of droplet infections

Answer 4

Influenza
TB

Question 5

2 examples of ingestion based diseases

Answer 5

Cholera
Salmonella

Question 6

Explain fomites

Answer 6

An infected person may touch, cough, sneeze, etc on an object
If a healthy person touches the inanimate object later on they could develop the infection
This can occur through bedding, pillows, towels, surfaces, etc

Question 7

Explain fomites

Answer 7

An infected person may touch, cough, sneeze, etc on an object
If a healthy person touches the inanimate object later on they could develop the infection
This can occur through bedding, pillows, towels, surfaces, etc

Question 8

2 examples of fomiteborne diseases

Answer 8

MRSA
Clostridium DIfficile

Question 9

2 examples of diseases spread from direct contact

Answer 9

Any STD (HIC, syphylis)
Ebola

Question 10

Inoculation?

Answer 10

Directly entering the blood stream

Question 11

Name the barriers to pathogens in our body

Answer 11

Skin
Gut and skin flora
Stomach acid

Question 12

How does skin act as a barrier to pathogens?

Answer 12

It acts as a physical barrier
If damaged, pathogens may enter into the blood stream
The blood clotting mechanism helps to minimise the amount of pathogens entering the blood
Skin also contains sebacious glands which produce an oily substance known as sebum
Sebum kills bacteria and fungi

Question 13

How do gut and skin flora perform as a barrier?

Answer 13

Harmless bacteria that can inhibit the growth of microorganisms by competing with pathogens for resources such as nutrients

Question 14

How does stomach acid act as a barrier?

Answer 14

The stomach acid contains concentrated HCl which is unfavourable for most pathogens found on food and drink, killing them

Question 15

What is the function of lysosymes?

Answer 15

Enzyme present in substances secreted by mucosal surfaces such as tears, saliva and mucus
They destroy the cross linkages found in bacterial cell walls causing the pathogen to lyse