chapter 14 micro

Microbiome

Also known as microbiota and normal flora; organisms that colonize the body's surface without causing disease.

Resident Microbiota

Normal microbiota that persist throughout life; mostly commensal organisms.

Transient Microbiota

Microorganisms that remain in the body for a short period and cannot persist due to competition and immune response.

Opportunistic Pathogens

Normal microbiota that cause disease under certain circumstances, such as immune suppression or changes in normal microbiota.

Zoonoses

Diseases that are naturally spread from animals to humans, typically through direct contact or consumption.

End-Stage Host

Humans act as dead-end hosts for certain zoonotic diseases, meaning they do not spread the disease further.

Acquisition of Microbiota

Development of microbiota begins in the womb and continues during the birthing process and through early meals.

Factors affecting Microbiota persistence

Competition from other microorganisms, elimination by the body's defense cells, and chemical or physical changes in the body.

Helminthic

Referring to parasitic worms such as tapeworms that can be transmitted to humans from animals.

Protozoan

Single-celled organisms that can cause diseases like malaria; transmitted from animals through vectors such as mosquitoes.

Fungal Diseases

Infections caused by fungi, such as ringworm, transmitted through direct contact with domestic animals.

Bacterial Diseases

Infections caused by bacteria, such as plague, often transmitted through vectors like fleas.

Viral Diseases

Diseases caused by viruses such as rabies, which can be transmitted through bites from infected animals.