Microbe-Human Interactions

These flashcards cover essential vocabulary related to microbe-human interactions, focusing on terms related to microbiota, infections, and disease mechanisms.

Dynamic equilibrium

A state in which the human body maintains a balance despite constant interactions with microorganisms.

Biofilms

Thin layers of microorganisms that adhere to surfaces in the human body, influencing colonization and infection.

Normal resident microbiota

Microorganisms that are naturally found in the human body, contributing to health and defense.

Infection

A condition resulting when pathogenic microbes penetrate host defenses, enter tissues, and multiply.

Pathogen

A microbe that acts as an infectious agent and can cause disease.

Invasive microbes

Microorganisms that can cross defense lines and invade sterile tissues, leading to infection.

Transients

Microbes that occupy the body temporarily, as opposed to residents which are established.

Microbial antagonism

The process by which resident microbiota prevent the overgrowth of harmful microbes.

Endogenous infections

Infections that occur when normal flora is introduced to previously sterile sites.

Exogenous agents

Microbes that originate from outside the body and can cause infection.

Toxins

Poisonous substances produced by microbes that can cause damage to host tissues.

Exotoxins

Toxins that are secreted by living bacterial cells into infected tissues.

Endotoxins

Components of the outer membrane of gram-negative bacteria released upon cell lysis, causing systemic effects.

Virulence factor

A characteristic or structure that contributes to a microbe's ability to cause disease.

Nosocomial infections

Infections acquired during hospital stays, often due to healthcare procedures or drug-resistant organisms.

Zoonosis

Infections that are naturally transmissible from animals to humans, often regarded as dead-end hosts.

Asymptomatic carrier

An individual who carries a pathogen but does not exhibit symptoms.

Chronic carrier

A person who hosts a latent infection and can intermittently shed the pathogen without symptoms.

Incubation period

The time from initial contact with an infectious agent to the appearance of first symptoms.

Epidemic

An occurrence of disease that exceeds normal levels within a specific area.

Pandemic

An epidemic that spreads across continents, affecting a large number of people.