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→Commensal Organisms
==='''Commensal Organisms'''===
==='''Commensal Organisms'''===
Commensal organisms are bacteria and yeast that live thorughout the body in a symbiotic relationship (i.e. each organism helps each other out, so not parasitic). In fact, if all the cells in the body were counted there would be a larger number of cells of bacteria than human! Their main role in immunity is to:
* Out-compete pathogens at mucosal and epithelial surfaces and produce natural antibiotics
* Out-compete pathogens at mucosal and epithelial surfaces and produce natural antibiotics
* When commensals are disturbed, for example with continual antibiotic use, infection with opportunistic organisms is increased
* When commensals are disturbed, for example with continual antibiotic use, infection with opportunistic organisms is increased