Ch. 14+15 - Principles of Disease and Epidemiology _ Microbial Mechanisms of Pathogenicity

These flashcards cover key concepts in the principles of disease and epidemiology as well as microbial mechanisms of pathogenesis.

What are the three main types of symbiotic relationships?

1) Mutualism, 2) Commensalism, 3) Parasitism.

Define mutualism in symbiotic relationships.

A relationship where BOTH organisms benefit from the relationship.

What is commensalism in symbiotic relationships?

A relationship where one organism benefits and the other is not affected.

What is parasitism in symbiotic relationships?

A relationship where one organism benefits at the expense of the other.

What is a microbiome?

Communities of microbes that grow on or in the bodies of all humans.

What is the difference between resident microbiota and transient microbiota?

Resident microbiota are almost permanent on the host, while transient microbiota are only found for a short period.

What is the hygiene hypothesis?

Insufficient exposure to microbes increases risk of allergies and autoimmune disorders.

What are Koch's Postulates?

A set of criteria used to determine if a specific microbe causes a specific disease.

What characterizes a primary infection versus a secondary infection?

A primary infection is caused by a primary pathogen, while a secondary infection is caused by opportunistic pathogens.

How do pathogens avoid being detected by the immune system?

By using mechanisms such as hiding within host cells, avoiding opsonization, and producing IgA proteases.

What are endotoxins?

Lipopolysaccharides found on the outer membrane of gram-negative bacteria that can trigger inflammatory responses.

What is the role of superantigens in immune response?

Superantigens cause the inappropriate activation of T cells, leading to excessive cytokine production.

How do vaccines work against toxins?

Toxoid vaccines contain weakened versions of toxins to stimulate an immune response without causing disease.

What is the definition of pathogenesis?

The process of disease development in a host.

What are common portals of entry for pathogens?

Skin, mucous membranes, and parenteral routes.

How do viruses typically evade the immune response?

By preventing apoptosis, interfering with antigen presentation, and altering surface antigens.

What factors determine a pathogen's virulence?

Traits that allow it to cause disease, such as the ability to adhere, invade, and evade the host's immune response.