ANSWERS 2024/2025 LATEST UPDATED/GET A+
Commensalism - one cell benefits while the other cell is unaffected
-Example: staphylococcus on intact skin
Mutualism - both cells benefit
-Example: E. Coli in human GI tract. Humans provide nutrients/environments while E. Coli
synthesizes for humans
Parasitism - Host cell is damaged or will die
-Example: any microbe-causing disease
Resident Microbes (normal flora) - usually communalism but some can be mutualism
-permanent residence in a particular part of the body
Microbial antagonism - normal "good" microbes have established a good relationship with the
host and do not allow intruder microbes to form attachment sites in the host
Endogenous infections - occur when the normal biota is introduced to a site that was sterile
Transient microbes - do not normally reside permanently
-most are harmless, some pathogens
Opportunists - cause disease when given the opportunity
-will cause a breakdown in immunity
Acquiring resident biota - most areas of the body in contact with outside environment harbor
biota
-human body has a wide variety of environmental niches that vary in: temp, ph, nutrients, oxygen
tension
, Reservoir - the natural primary habitat of the pathogen
Source - the individual or object where the infection was acquired
Carriers - individual who inconspicuously shelters a pathogen and spreads it to others
Direct contact - kissing, sexual intercourse, droplets, perinatal route
Indirect contact - any inanimate object
-faucet handles, door knobs, telephones
Airborne - particles in the air, especially indoors
Waterborne - particles in water (streams and pools)
Foodborne - particles in food products (poultry, meats, vegetables)
Vector - Biological: part of the microbe's life
Mechanical: carries the microbe but not part of the life cycle
Exogenous - acquired from healthcare environment
Endogenous - pathogens arise from normal microbes due to factors within healthcare setting
such as antibiotics and chemotherapy
Iatrogenic pathogens - acquired during the use of medical equipment such as ventilators
Localized infection - pathogen is confined to the infection site
Systemic infection - infection is spread via blood and tissue fluid throughout the body