Bacteria as pathogens 6.1.4 Flashcards
How do bacteria cause disease?
Through endotoxins or exotoxins
Where are endotoxins found?
In gram negative bacteria
What common symptoms do endotoxins cause?
-Fever, vomiting and diarrhoea
What are two examples of bacteria that release endotoxins?
-Salmonella
-E.coli
How Is salmonella spread?
By ingestion of food and water contaminated with infected faeces.
How is salmonella treated?
Antibiotics may not effective unless the person is very young, very old or has a compromised immune system
Best way is to avoid, cooking meat throughly and washing hands after handling raw meat
What bacteria are exotoxins produced by?
Both gram negative and gram positive bacteria
What are two differences between endotoxins and exotoxins?
-Exotoxins produced by both gram negative and positive where endotoxins only produced by gram negative
-Exotoxins have a more widespread and damaging effect than endotoxins
What is one example of a bacteria that produces exotoxins?
Staphylococcus spp.
What type of bacteria is Staphylococcus?
Gram-positive
What is host tissue invasion?
The third way bacteria can act as pathogens
Cell damage by bacteria invading host tissues
What is an example of a bacteria that invades host tissue?
Mycobacterium tuberculosis
What does mycobacterium tuberculosis cause?
Tuberculosis (TB), damaging and destroying lung tissue
How is TB spread?
Through droplet infection
How is mycobacterium tuberculosis adapted?
Bacteria produces a thick waxy outer layer that protects it from the enzymes of the macrophages
