Infection and immune response

Question 1

What is colonisation?

Answer 1

Presence of microorganisms on the body like skin, mouth and intestines without causing any illness or symptoms of infection

Question 2

What is infection?

Answer 2

Invasion and growth of harmful microorganisms, like bacteria, viruses, fungi, or parasites, within the body, leading to illness

Question 3

How does infection, latency and reactivation differ?

Answer 3

Infection is the process of a pathogen entering and multiplying in a host, potentially causing disease.

Latency refers to a state where the pathogen remains in the host without causing active infection, and it can persist for extended periods.

Reactivation is the process where a latent pathogen becomes active and can cause a new infection or recurrence of symptoms

Question 5

What are the different type of immunologic phenomena?

Answer 5

Autoimmune phenomena: Where the immune system mistakenly attacks the body’s own tissues.

Immunodeficiency: When the immune system is not functioning properly, making the body more susceptible to infections.

Hypersensitivity: An exaggerated immune response to a harmless substance, leading to allergic reactions.

Immunological memory: The ability of the immune system to “remember” previous encounters with pathogens, allowing for faster and more effective responses in the future

Question 6

What is sterile inflammation?

Answer 6

The inflammatory response triggered by tissue damage or injury in the absence of pathogens

Question 7

How is sterile inflammation triggered?

Answer 7

Tissue damage - released from damaged or necrotic cells (DAMPs)