Normal Human Microbiota Study Guide

These flashcards cover essential questions and answers related to normal human microbiota, their benefits, and their interactions.

Where are microbiota found in the human body?

Skin, mouth, nose/throat, intestines, and genitourinary tract.

Where are microbiota normally not found?

Blood, brain/spinal cord, internal organs, and most of the urinary system.

What factors affect normal microbiota?

Temperature, pH, oxygen levels, diet, age, hormones, hygiene, and stress.

What are the beneficial aspects of normal microbiota?

They protect against harmful microbes, help digestion, produce vitamins, and support the immune system.

What are germ-free mice like?

They have weak immune systems and need more nutrients (calories and vitamins).

What is mutualism?

Both organisms benefit.

What is commensalism?

One benefits, the other is unaffected.

What is parasitism?

One benefits, the host is harmed.

Give an example of a mutualistic relationship involving bacteria.

Lactobacillus in the vagina where bacteria get nutrients and humans benefit from an environment that prevents harmful microbes.

What are some benefits of probiotics?

Restore normal microbiota, help digestion, support immunity, and may prevent diarrhea.

What probiotic claims are NOT well proven?

Curing diseases, major weight loss, treating all gut problems, and preventing all infections.

What does the protection vs disease image illustrate?

Normal microbiota protect against pathogens, but if disrupted, harmful bacteria can grow and cause disease.

What is an opportunist in microbiology?

A normally harmless microbe that causes disease when given the opportunity.

What does "mutualism → parasitism" mean?

Normal bacteria can become harmful if conditions change.

What are the main sites of hospital (nosocomial) infections?

Urinary tract, surgical wounds, respiratory tract, and bloodstream.

What is the general summary of normal microbiota?

Normal microbiota help you, but if disrupted, they can cause disease.