Unit 2: 15.2

Question 1

Pathogenicity

Answer 1

Ability of microbial agent to cause disease

Question 2

Virulence

Answer 2

The degree to which an organism is pathogenic

Lower number = more virulent

Question 3

Do virulent pathogens almost always lead to disease?

Answer 3

Yes

Question 4

ID 50

Answer 4

Number of pathogenic cells requires to cause active infection in 50% of inocculated animals

Question 5

LD 50

Answer 5

Number of pathogens/toxins required to kill 50% of infected animals

Question 6

Primary pathogen

Answer 6

Can cause disease in a host regardless of the hosts resident microbiota/immune system

Question 7

Opportunistic pathogen

Answer 7

Can cause disease in people who are immunocompromised

Ex: Staphylococcus epidermidis

Question 8

Stages of pathogenesis

Answer 8

1. Exposure (contact)
2. Adhesion (colonization)
3. Invasion
4. Infection

Question 9

Portal of entry

Answer 9

An anatomic site through which pathogens can pass into host tissue

Question 10

Major portals of entry

Answer 10

1. Skin
2. Mucous membranes
3. Parental routes

Question 11

Adhesins

Answer 11

Made of proteins or carbohydrates found on surface of certain pathogens and bind to specific receptors (glycoproteins) on host cells

Question 12

Biofilm

Answer 12

Community of bacteria that produce a glycocalyx known as EPS

Question 13

EPS

Answer 13

Allows biofilm to attach to a surface

-provides protection against the immune system and antibiotic treatments

Question 14

Local infection

Answer 14

Confined to a small area of the body typically near the portal of entry

Question 15

Focal infection

Answer 15

The toxins it produces can spread to a second location

Question 16

Systemic infection

Answer 16

Spreads to entire body