Pathophysiology of Respiratory Tract infections

Question 1

Define pathogenicity

Answer 1

the ability of the organism to establish infection

Question 2

What are facultative pathogens?

Answer 2

They are less pathogenic than primary pathogens but need only a little help in order to establish infection

Question 3

What are opportunistic pathogens?

Answer 3

they have low pathogenicity but establish infection in those with a damaged or dampened immune system. These include; fungus & yeast

Question 4

What is a primary pathogen?

Answer 4

Primary pathogens are highly pathogenic and can establish infection in healthy individual

Question 5

What are the common causative agents of acute epiglottitis?

Answer 5

haemophilus influenzae (type B-Hib) & group A- beta haemolytic streptococci

Question 6

List the 4 main respiratory tract defines mechanisms

Answer 6

1. The macrophage mucocillary escalator (& the cough reflex)
2. The general immune system
3. Respiratory tract secretions
4. The upper respiratory tract filter (e.g. nose hair)

Question 7

Explain the mechanism by which influenza infection makes a secondary bacterial infection likely

Answer 7

Viral influenza infection causes damage to the cells of the respiratory epithelium and ruins the functionality of the mucociliary escalator. As a result, secondary bacterial infection is likely in cases of severe influenza