Microbiology - The Host Parasite Relationship | Anatomy and Physiology

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Study GuideMicrobiology–The Host Parasite Relationship1. Infection and DiseaseAdelicate balanceexists between disease-causing microorganisms and the body’s defensesystems. When the body’s defensesare strong enough to control or destroy invading microbes, theperson remainshealthy. However, when the microorganisms overcome these defenses,diseasedevelops.Once disease occurs, the outcome can vary. An infected person may:•Recover completely•Suffer temporary damage•Experience permanent injury•In severe cases, dieThe final result depends on many factors, including the type of microorganism, the strength of thehost’s defenses, and how quickly treatment begins.1.1Pathology–The Study of DiseaseThe scientific study of disease is calledpathology. The word comes from the Greekpathos, meaningsuffering.Pathology focuses on several important aspects of disease:•Etiology–thecauseof diseaseoThe microorganism responsible is called theetiologic agent•Pathogenesis–theprocess by which disease develops•Structural and functional changes–how tissues and organs are altered during disease1.2Infection vs DiseaseThe termsinfectionanddiseasedonotmean the same thing.

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Study Guide•Infectionrefers to theinvasion of body tissuesby microorganisms•Diseaseis adisturbance of normal healthcaused by microorganisms living and multiplyingin the tissuesIt is important to note thatinfection can occur without disease.For example, microorganisms normally found on theskinare considered an infection, but they do notusually cause illness.Figure 1 The balance between health and disease. The condition of the human body dependson interactions between host (the body) and parasite (the infectious microorganism). When thehuman body wins the battle for supremacy, the result is health and the rejection of disease.1.3The Normal FloraThenormal florarefers to microorganisms that normally live on or in the body at sites where thebody contacts the environment.•Much of the normal flora ispermanent•Some microorganisms aretransient, meaning they remain for a short time and thendisappear

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Study GuideNormal flora is commonly found on:•Skin•Mouth•Intestines•Respiratory tract1.4Symbiotic RelationshipsThe general term for a relationship between two living organisms issymbiosis, which meanslivingtogether. There are several types of symbiotic relationships between the body and microorganisms.Types of Symbiosis•CommensalismoOne organism benefitsoThe other is neither helped nor harmed•MutualismoBoth organisms benefit from the relationship•ParasitismoOne organism benefitsoThe other is harmedThe relationship between the human body and its normal flora may fall into any of these categories.1.5Opportunistic OrganismsSome members of the normal flora are known asopportunistic organisms.•These organisms arepotentially pathogenic•Under normal conditions, they donot cause disease•When the host’s defenses are weakened, they may cause serious infectionsSuch individuals are calledcompromised hosts.

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