Virulence Factors and Modes of Disease Transmission - Topic 2

Question 1

What is virulence?

Answer 1

The ability of a pathogen to infect the host and cause a disease

Question 2

What are virulence factors?

Answer 2

The tools used by microorganisms to be able to cause disease processes in the body

Question 3

What is pathogenesis?

Answer 3

Pathogenesis is the process by which an infection leads to disease

Question 4

How do adherence factors aid in pathogenesis?

Answer 4

Allowing pathogens to attach to host cells and tissues, which is crucial for colonization, evasion of the immune system, and the establishment of infection.

Question 5

How do invasion factors aid in pathogenesis?

Answer 5

Enabling pathogens to penetrate host tissues, evade the immune response, and spread within the host, thereby facilitating infection and disease progression.

Question 6

How do capsules aid in pathogenesis?

Answer 6

Protecting pathogens from phagocytosis by host immune cells, enhancing their ability to evade the immune system and establish infections.

Question 7

How do toxins aid in pathogenesis?

Answer 7

Damaging host cells and disrupting functions, which enhances infection spread and severity.

Question 8

How do lifecycle changes aid in pathogenesis?

Answer 8

By helping pathogens adapt, evade immunity, and enhance survival and transmission.