Questions and Answers
Which of the following is true about normal flora?
Resident flora re-establishes itself when disturbed
Under what conditions do opportunistic pathogens cause disease?
Only when suitable opportunities arise
Which of the following is an example of resident normal flora?
Staphylococcus epidermidis on the skin
How long does transient flora inhabit the skin or mucous membrane?
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What type of organisms make up transient flora?
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Study Notes
Normal Flora
- Normal flora refers to the microorganisms that are present on the skin and mucous membranes of a healthy individual.
- They are usually harmless and can even be beneficial to the host.
Opportunistic Pathogens
- Opportunistic pathogens cause disease when the host's immune system is compromised or when the normal flora is disrupted.
- This can occur due to various factors such as old age, antibiotics, or underlying medical conditions.
Resident Normal Flora
- An example of resident normal flora is Staphylococcus epidermidis, which is a bacterium that is commonly found on the skin.
Transient Flora
- Transient flora inhabit the skin or mucous membrane for a short period of time, usually less than 24 hours.
- Transient flora are typically composed of microorganisms that are acquired from the environment, such as bacteria, viruses, and fungi.
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