Host-Microbe Interactions

These flashcards cover key vocabulary and concepts related to host-microbe interactions and infectious diseases.

Koch's Postulates

A set of criteria to establish that a specific microorganism causes a specific disease.

Normal microbiota

Organisms that routinely reside on body surfaces and contribute to the host's health.

Mutualism

A symbiotic relationship where both partners benefit, such as bacteria synthesizing vitamins for their host.

Commensalism

A symbiotic relationship where one partner benefits while the other is neither helped nor harmed.

Parasitism

A relationship in which one organism benefits at the expense of another, often seen in pathogens.

Colonization

The establishment of a microbe on body surfaces, which can occur without causing infection.

Primary pathogen

A microbe or virus that can cause disease in a healthy individual.

Opportunistic pathogen

A microbe that causes disease only when the host's defenses are compromised.

Virulence factors

Traits that enable a microorganism to cause disease.

Exotoxins

Proteins produced by bacteria that can be secreted or leak out and can cause damage to host tissues.

Endotoxin

A component of the Gram-negative bacterial cell wall that triggers inflammatory responses.

Infectious dose (ID50)

The number of microbes needed to infect 50% of a population.

Incubation period

The time between the initial infection and the onset of symptoms.

Convalescence

The phase of recovery following illness.

Toxemia

The presence of toxins in the bloodstream.

Viremia

The presence of viruses in the bloodstream.

Phagocytosis

The process by which phagocytes engulf and digest microorganisms and debris.

Cytokine storm

A severe immune reaction where the body releases an excessive amount of cytokines into the blood.

Saprophytic

Organisms that obtain nutrients from dead or decaying matter.

Virion

A complete virus particle that consists of nucleic acid and a protein coat.