Podcast
Questions and Answers
Which of the following are symbiotic relationships?
Which of the following are symbiotic relationships?
The blackhead mite, Demodex, is a commensalistic relationship.
The blackhead mite, Demodex, is a commensalistic relationship.
True
The human bot fly, Dermatobia hominis, is a mutualistic relationship.
The human bot fly, Dermatobia hominis, is a mutualistic relationship.
False
Wolbachia are a type of bacteria.
Wolbachia are a type of bacteria.
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Medicinal leeches are used to prevent venous congestion after plastic surgery.
Medicinal leeches are used to prevent venous congestion after plastic surgery.
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Which of the following is NOT a predisposing factor for Ludwig's angina?
Which of the following is NOT a predisposing factor for Ludwig's angina?
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What is the name of the bacteria that is commonly associated with peptic ulcers?
What is the name of the bacteria that is commonly associated with peptic ulcers?
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Which of the following is NOT a characteristic of biofilms?
Which of the following is NOT a characteristic of biofilms?
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Probiotics can help to improve gut health by restoring the balance of bacteria in the gut.
Probiotics can help to improve gut health by restoring the balance of bacteria in the gut.
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Fecal microbiota transplantation (FMT) is a procedure that involves transferring bacteria from a healthy donor's stool to the recipient's gut.
Fecal microbiota transplantation (FMT) is a procedure that involves transferring bacteria from a healthy donor's stool to the recipient's gut.
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What are two examples of opportunistic pathogens that can cause serious infections in healthy individuals?
What are two examples of opportunistic pathogens that can cause serious infections in healthy individuals?
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Synergistic infections occur when two or more different microorganisms work together to cause a disease that neither could cause alone.
Synergistic infections occur when two or more different microorganisms work together to cause a disease that neither could cause alone.
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One of the major bacterial species involved in Ludwig's angina is Streptococcus viridans.
One of the major bacterial species involved in Ludwig's angina is Streptococcus viridans.
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Which of the following is NOT a factor that can contribute to the development of a biofilm?
Which of the following is NOT a factor that can contribute to the development of a biofilm?
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Cinnamon has been shown to be effective in disrupting biofilms.
Cinnamon has been shown to be effective in disrupting biofilms.
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The use of broad-spectrum antibiotics can lead to the development of superinfections due to the reduction of normal gut flora.
The use of broad-spectrum antibiotics can lead to the development of superinfections due to the reduction of normal gut flora.
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Probiotics are a type of biotherapeutic microorganism that are beneficial to human health.
Probiotics are a type of biotherapeutic microorganism that are beneficial to human health.
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Prebiotics are non-digestible food components that are beneficial to the health of the gut.
Prebiotics are non-digestible food components that are beneficial to the health of the gut.
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Which of the following is NOT a benefit of probiotics?
Which of the following is NOT a benefit of probiotics?
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It has been proven that fecal microbiota transplantation (FMT) is effective in treating recurrent Clostridium difficile infections.
It has been proven that fecal microbiota transplantation (FMT) is effective in treating recurrent Clostridium difficile infections.
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Fecal microbiota transplantation (FMT) is a relatively new treatment that is still being studied but holds promise for treating a variety of conditions.
Fecal microbiota transplantation (FMT) is a relatively new treatment that is still being studied but holds promise for treating a variety of conditions.
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What is the major bacterial species that is responsible for the majority of cases of bacterial vaginosis?
What is the major bacterial species that is responsible for the majority of cases of bacterial vaginosis?
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Which of the following is NOT a symptom of bacterial vaginosis?
Which of the following is NOT a symptom of bacterial vaginosis?
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Clostridium tetani is the bacterium that causes tetanus.
Clostridium tetani is the bacterium that causes tetanus.
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There is no treatment for prion diseases.
There is no treatment for prion diseases.
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Study Notes
Microbial Ecology
- Study of the interrelationships between living organisms and their environment
- Two components:
- Biotic (living): plants, animals, and other organisms
- Abiotic (non-living): water, soil, and atmosphere
Symbiosis
- Interaction between two dissimilar organisms (symbionts)
- Types:
- Neutralism: neither symbiont is affected
- Commensalism: beneficial to one symbiont, no consequence to the other
- Mutualism: beneficial to both symbionts
Examples of Symbiotic Relationships
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Indigenous microflora in humans: no consequence to either
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Demodex folliculorum: mites in human hair follicles, rarely harmful
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Dermatobia hominis: human bot fly; eggs laid on vectors, larvae develop under skin
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Humans and intestinal normal microflora: mutualistic relationship; microorganisms provide vitamins, like Vitamin K produced by E. coli
Medicinal Leeches
- Used historically for abscesses and wounds
- Contain Aeromonas spp., essential for blood digestion, which benefits the host
- Use may lead to wound infections by Aeromonas spp., therefore prophylactic antibiotics should be used
Wolbachia
- Intracellular bacteria related to Rickettsia
- Obligate intracellular parasite; infects ovaries and testes only
- Essential for survival and embryogenesis of some species (e.g., filarial nematodes)
- Sterile insect technique (SIT) for controlling mosquitoes
Termites
- Insects that cannot digest wood
- Intestines contain protozoa aiding in wood digestion
Lichen
- Patches on tree trunks and rocks
- Composed of fungi (hyphal cells) and algae (photosynthesis).
Parasitism
- One organism benefits (parasite) and another is harmed (host)
- May be pathogenic causing disease, or non-pathogenic.
Human Indigenous Microflora
- Microorganisms naturally inhabiting human body, with no harm
- Resident microbiota: always present
- Transient microbiota: temporarily residing
Microflora of Skin, Ears, and Eyes
- Skin: primarily anaerobes, with bacteria like Staphylococcus epidermis and Corynebacterium spp.
- Ears: similar to skin microflora in the outer ear
- Eyes: Staphylococcus, Streptococcus, and Corynebacterium species
Microflora of Respiratory Tract
- Upper respiratory tract: harmless or opportunistic microbes (e.g., Staphylococcus, Streptococcus)
- Lower respiratory tract: usually sterile
Microflora of Mouth
- Primarily anaerobic bacteria, with species like Streptococcus and Porphyromonas associated with periodontal disease
Microflora of GIT
- Stomach: acidic environment, minimal flora except Helicobacter pylori
- Small intestine: bile inhibits most microorganisms
- Colon: large variety of microorganisms
Microflora of Urinary Tract (UGT)
- Kidneys, ureters, and bladder are generally sterile
- Urethra may harbor bacteria, such as those causing urinary tract infections (UTIs)
Beneficial Role of Microflora
- Production of vitamins (e.g., Vitamin K)
- Constant stimulation of the immune system (immune response)
- Antibacterial mechanisms (bacteriocins)
Probiotics (Biotherapeutic MOs)
- Harmless microorganisms that provide health benefits
- Ingested in fermented foods (e.g., yogurt)
- Improve gut health, increase microbial diversity, potentially replacing pathogenic microorganisms
Harmful Role of Microflora
- Opportunistic pathogen behavior: change habitat or weaken immune response
- Potential for disease such as infections of urinary bladder, blood stream, lungs, or wounds
Biofilm
- Complex microbial community embedded in a polymeric substance.
- Resistant to antibiotics and disinfectants due to factors like their layers and hydrophobicity.
Synergism
- Two or more different microorganisms interact to produce a disease or effect a host that neither could cause individually.
- Examples include acute necrotizing ulcerative gingivitis (ANUG) and bacterial vaginosis
Probiotics (Biotherapeutic MOs)
- Harmless microorganisms that provide health benefits.
- Ingested in fermented foods (e.g., yogurt)
- Improve gut health by increasing microbial diversity and potentially replacing pathogenic microorganisms
- Other ways to use probiotics include nasal spray or fecal microbiota transplantation
Harmful Role of Microflora
- Potential for disease: change habitat, weaken immune response, or cause infections in different parts of the body
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Description
Explore the intricate relationships between living organisms and their environment, focusing on microbial ecology and various forms of symbiosis. This quiz covers the types of symbiotic interactions, their examples, and the role of microorganisms in human health. Understand how these relationships shape ecosystems and influence human life.
