Micro bio innate immunity and long term sequele

What are the four types of long-term outcomes from infections?

Chronic infection, latent infection, chronic disease without persistence, malignant transformation.

Define 'latent infection'.

A dormant or inactive state where organisms persist (e.g., Mycobacterium tuberculosis). Reactivation can lead to acute disease.

Differentiate disease incidence vs. prevalence.

Incidence refers to new cases over a specific time; prevalence is the total number of cases at a given time.

What are the three types of disease spread descriptors?

Endemic (constant low level), epidemic (higher than usual prevalence), pandemic (widespread/global).

What is vertical transmission?

Disease transmission from mother to child, either transplacentally, during birth, or via breast milk.

What are the key barriers to infection in the skin?

Fatty acids, beta-defensins, laminar bodies, cathelicidin, and normal flora.

How does the respiratory tract defend against pathogens?

With mucus, cilia, pulmonary surfactant, alpha-defensins, cathelicidin, and normal flora.

What is the role of normal flora in health?

Occupies niches, competes with pathogens, stimulates immune system, and aids in digestion and nutrient production.

What disrupts normal flora?

Antibiotics, stress, infections, being immunocompromised, and pathogenic microbes (e.g., Salmonella).

What are gnotobiotic animals used for?

Studying the impact of normal flora on health and disease susceptibility.

What is the complement system?

A cascade of liver-synthesized proteins that opsonize pathogens and form pores in cell membranes (e.g., MAC).

Name three types of granulocytes.

Neutrophils, basophils, and eosinophils.

What are the four main signs of inflammation?

Redness, warmth, swelling, and pain.

How does fever benefit the immune response?

Inhibits microbial replication, depletes nutrients, and increases host metabolism.

What are PAMPs and their significance?

Pathogen-associated molecular patterns recognized by Toll-like receptors, triggering immune responses like phagocytosis.