Introduction

One of the main causes of disease is infection by microorganisms, with four types so far identified:

A fifth, controversial, type, Pirons, are infectious proteins that are believed to be the cause of bovine spongiform encephalopathy (BSE) and the human variant Creutzfeldt–Jakob disease (vCJD).

All exist as either:

  • Primary pathogens (obligate): presence always corresponds with disease
  • Secondary (opportunistic): prerequisites must be fulfilled before disease occurs

Microorganisms can enter the body by three routes:

  • Contact: typically seen in dermatological infections
  • Aerosol: typically respiratory infections
  • Orofecal:typically enteric infections


Host invasion by microorganisms Learning Resources
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Flashcards
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Host Invasion Flashcards


References

  • Murphy, K., Travers, P. and Walport, M. (2008) Janeway's Immunobiology. 7th ed. New York: Garland Science Publishing.





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