Microbe-Human interaction discussion guide
How are we colonized by our normal flora?
Our first exposure to normal flora is through the birth canal
The types of microbes that colonize us are dependent on the place we live, what we touch, the food we eat, who/
what we interact with, etc
What specific organs and tissues support a normal flora, and which ones do not?
Sites that support normal flora: skin and mucous membranes
respiratory tract
GI tract
External genitalia and vagina
external ear canal and eye
outer opening of urethra
Sites that do not support normal flora: heart and circulatory system
muscles and bones
liver and kidneys
spinal cord
ovaries/testies
glands and sinuses
internal eye and middle and inner ear
How does the normal flora aid us in our day-to-day life?
We have a mutualistic relationship with normal flora and many of them act as microbial antagonists that fight
off bad microbes
Can our normal flora cause an infection?
Yes if they grow out of control —> an example of this is E. Coli
Compare and contrast resident and transient microbes
Resident microbes = our normal gut flora
Transient microbes = microbes picked up for short periods during the day (why we wash our hands)
Compare and contrast endogenous and exogenous pathogens
Endogenous pathogen = disease caused by a pathogen that is part of normal flora
Exogenous pathogen = pathogen not part of normal flora that’s causing disease
Compare and contrast true and opportunistic pathogens
How are we colonized by our normal flora?
Our first exposure to normal flora is through the birth canal
The types of microbes that colonize us are dependent on the place we live, what we touch, the food we eat, who/
what we interact with, etc
What specific organs and tissues support a normal flora, and which ones do not?
Sites that support normal flora: skin and mucous membranes
respiratory tract
GI tract
External genitalia and vagina
external ear canal and eye
outer opening of urethra
Sites that do not support normal flora: heart and circulatory system
muscles and bones
liver and kidneys
spinal cord
ovaries/testies
glands and sinuses
internal eye and middle and inner ear
How does the normal flora aid us in our day-to-day life?
We have a mutualistic relationship with normal flora and many of them act as microbial antagonists that fight
off bad microbes
Can our normal flora cause an infection?
Yes if they grow out of control —> an example of this is E. Coli
Compare and contrast resident and transient microbes
Resident microbes = our normal gut flora
Transient microbes = microbes picked up for short periods during the day (why we wash our hands)
Compare and contrast endogenous and exogenous pathogens
Endogenous pathogen = disease caused by a pathogen that is part of normal flora
Exogenous pathogen = pathogen not part of normal flora that’s causing disease
Compare and contrast true and opportunistic pathogens
