Microbiology Essentials: Disease Mechanisms and Host Defenses
Chapter 14: Microbial Interactions and Disease Patterns
Differentiating Key Microbiological Terms
- Etiology/Pathogenesis: Etiology is the study of the cause of a disease, while pathogenesis describes the manner in which a disease develops.
- Infection/Disease: Infection refers to the colonization of the body by microorganisms, whereas disease is any change in the state of health.
Understanding Symbiotic Relationships
- Symbiosis: The living together of unlike organisms.
- Commensalism: One organism benefits,
Ecosystem Basics: Trophic Levels, Food Webs, and Cycles
Trophic Nutrition and Food Chains
What is Trophic Nutrition?
Trophic nutrition refers to the feeding process or alimentation.
What is a Food Chain?
A food chain describes the feeding relationships between different species.
Why Are Food Chains Not Linear?
Food chains are not linear because some species are consumed by multiple others, connecting with other networks and forming what is called a trophic web (or trophic mesh).
Understanding Trophic Levels
Trophic levels group species based on common food sources,
Read MoreMicrobe Identification: LPRA, Salmonella, Candida, Haemophilus
Microbacterium Leprae (LPRA)
Identification: Microbacterium leprae causes LPRA (also known as Hansen’s disease). It is an intracellular, pleomorphic bacterium, usually shaped like a stick. It is acid and alcohol resistant, remotely related to Mycobacterium tuberculosis. Histological stains include Ziehl-Neelsen, Fite-Faraco, Munxar, and Sudan III.
Form of Transmission: LPRA is not very infectious. It is transmitted through droplets from the nose and mouth, in frequent and close contact with untreated
Read MoreRespiratory Diseases and Antibiotics: Causes, Treatment
General Medicine: Respiratory Diseases, Infections, and Antibacterial Agents
Introduction
General medicine covers a wide range of diseases and treatments, focusing on the diagnosis, prevention, and management of illnesses affecting different organ systems. Among the most common medical concerns are respiratory diseases, which affect the lungs and airways, often caused by infections. Infections can be viral, bacterial, fungal, or parasitic, and their treatment varies depending on the causative agent.
Read MoreInfectious Diseases: Bacterial, Viral, Fungal, and Parasitic Infections
Infectious Diseases
Skin Infections
- Skin-Bac-Folliculitis: Caused by Staphylococcus infection, can spread to blood and organs.
- Staphylococcal Scalded Skin Syndrome: Caused by Staphylococcus. Death is rare but can occur due to secondary infections. Common in infants; treated with antimicrobial drugs.
- Impetigo (Pyoderma): Red face and limbs, caused mostly by Staphylococcus aureus. Hyaluronic acid and pyrogenic toxins are involved. Treated with oral and topical antimicrobial drugs.
- Erysipelas: Infection
Biotechnology, Immunity, and Bacterial Diseases: An Overview
Biotechnology: Obtaining Transgenics
To improve:
- Productivity
- Weather resistance [temperature]
- Action against pathologies
Production: Recombinant DNA
Recombinant DNA [selected desirable gene incorporation] is inserted into an organism to improve it. Restricted bacterial enzymes [DNA sequence] cut the genes. Bacteria are isolated, copied, and then joined to the organism that is to be improved, creating a transgenic organism.
Techniques to Incorporate Macromolecules and Proteins
Projectile injection, diffusion,
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