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Questions and Answers
What are the main characteristics of normal microbial flora in the mouth?
What are the main characteristics of normal microbial flora in the mouth?
Millions of bacteria present in 1 mL of saliva.
What is the bacterial concentration in the large intestine?
What is the bacterial concentration in the large intestine?
100 billion bacteria per gram of feces, making up 40% of fecal mass.
Which of these factors can make normal flora pathogenic? (Select all that apply)
Which of these factors can make normal flora pathogenic? (Select all that apply)
What are the advantages of normal residential flora? (Select all that apply)
What are the advantages of normal residential flora? (Select all that apply)
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Which of the following are predisposing factors for diarrheal diseases? (Select all that apply)
Which of the following are predisposing factors for diarrheal diseases? (Select all that apply)
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The term _______________ refers to inflammation of the intestines with severe abdominal cramps and frequent low-volume stools.
The term _______________ refers to inflammation of the intestines with severe abdominal cramps and frequent low-volume stools.
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What is an enterotoxin?
What is an enterotoxin?
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The presence of gut flora does not contribute to the immune system.
The presence of gut flora does not contribute to the immune system.
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What characterizes bacillary dysentery?
What characterizes bacillary dysentery?
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Which of the following can be considered a mechanical barrier in gastrointestinal defenses?
Which of the following can be considered a mechanical barrier in gastrointestinal defenses?
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Flashcards
Normal Gut Flora
Normal Gut Flora
Microbial community residing in the gastrointestinal tract, consisting mainly of bacteria, includes Lactobacillus, Bacteroides, Enterobacter, E. coli, and Proteus spp.
Pathogenic Bacteria
Pathogenic Bacteria
Microbes that cause disease by producing toxins or invading tissues.
Enterotoxin
Enterotoxin
A toxin that affects the intestines.
Bacillary Dysentery
Bacillary Dysentery
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Dysentery
Dysentery
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Diarrhea
Diarrhea
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Gastroenteritis
Gastroenteritis
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Enteroinvasive
Enteroinvasive
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Mechanical Barriers (GI)
Mechanical Barriers (GI)
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Immunocompromised
Immunocompromised
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Antibiotic Use (prolonged)
Antibiotic Use (prolonged)
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O Antigen
O Antigen
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Enterobacteriaceae
Enterobacteriaceae
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GI Defenses
GI Defenses
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Pre-formed Toxin
Pre-formed Toxin
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Toxigenic
Toxigenic
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Study Notes
Oral Microbial Flora Characteristics
- Oral flora is diverse and includes numerous types of bacteria, including aerobic and anaerobic species.
- The composition of oral flora is influenced by factors such as age, diet, and oral hygiene practices.
- Some bacteria in oral flora contribute to dental plaque formation, which can lead to tooth decay and gum disease.
- Key fact: Oral flora plays a crucial role in maintaining oral health, and imbalances in its composition can compromise oral health.
Bacterial Concentration in the Large Intestine
- Key fact: The large intestine harbors a high concentration of bacteria, estimated to be around 10^11 to 10^12 bacteria per gram of feces.
Factors that Can Make Normal Flora Pathogenic
- Compromised host defenses: Weakened immune systems can allow opportunistic pathogens to proliferate.
- Introduction of new strains: Changes in the normal flora, such as antibiotic use, can create opportunities for new, potentially pathogenic strains to establish themselves.
- Changes in the host environment: Factors like pH imbalances or changes in the composition of the gut microbiota can favor the growth of pathogenic bacteria.
Advantages of Normal Residential Flora
- Competition with pathogens: Normal flora occupies niches and competes with pathogens for resources, inhibiting their growth.
- Production of antimicrobial substances: Certain bacteria in normal flora produce substances that inhibit the growth of other bacteria, including pathogens.
- Stimulation of the immune system: The presence of diverse bacteria in normal flora helps to train and strengthen the immune system.
Predisposing Factors for Diarrheal Diseases
- Infections: Viral, bacterial, and parasitic infections can lead to diarrhea by causing intestinal inflammation, damage, or fluid imbalance.
- Food poisoning: Ingestion of contaminated food containing toxins or bacteria can trigger diarrheal symptoms.
- Malabsorption: Disorders that impair nutrient absorption in the intestines can lead to diarrhea, often accompanied by other symptoms.
- Certain medications: Some medications, such as antibiotics, can disrupt the balance of gut bacteria and contribute to diarrhea.
Inflammation of the Intestines
- Key fact: The term enteritis refers to the inflammation of the intestines, characterized by severe abdominal cramps and frequent low-volume stools.
Enterotoxin
- Key fact: An enterotoxin is a type of toxin produced by certain bacteria that specifically affects the intestines, causing gastrointestinal distress.
Gut Flora and Immune System
- Key fact: The presence of gut flora plays a significant role in the development and function of the immune system, and its absence can lead to a weakened immune response.
Bacillary Dysentery
- Key fact: Bacillary dysentery is characterized by intestinal inflammation and bloody diarrhea caused by bacteria such as Shigella.
Mechanical Barrier in Gastrointestinal Defenses
- Key fact: The lining of the gastrointestinal tract, including the mucous membrane and tight junctions between cells, acts as a physical barrier, preventing the entry of pathogens into the bloodstream.
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