Lecture 31

Damage-Response Framework

A model explaining microbial pathogenesis as a balance between pathogen virulence and host response.

Pathogen Trade-Offs

The balance pathogens must maintain between exploiting hosts for resources and their transmission potential.

Natural Selection in Pathogens

Pathogens face selection pressures where mutations enhancing survival are favored.

Patho-Adaptation

The ability of bacteria to quickly acquire virulence factors.

High Mutation Rates

Bacterial replication enzymes are error-prone, leading to increased mutation rates.

Horizontal Gene Transfer (HGT)

The acquisition of genes from other bacteria, enabling new traits. often through transformation and pathogenicity islands

Transformation

The uptake of environmental DNA by bacteria during horizontal gene transfer.

Pathogenicity Islands (PAIs)

Large gene clusters acquired through HGT that provide new pathogenic traits.

Antigenic Drift

Gradual mutations in viral antigens, reducing immune recognition over time.

Antigenic Shift

Major genetic recombination events resulting in new viral strains that can cause outbreaks.

VDJ Recombination

A process in immune cells generating diverse antibodies and T-cell receptors.

Rapid Virus Replication

Viruses replicate quickly, allowing for rapid mutation and evolution.

Gene Swapping in Viruses

The exchange of genetic material between viruses infecting the same cell, leading to major antigenic changes.