MMI133 Lecture Notes - Lecture 13: Giant Cell, Cytoskeleton, Tetanospasmin

• School: University of Alberta
• Department: Medical Microbiology and Immunology
• Course: MMI133
• Professor: Judy Gnarpe

Document Summary

Describe at least 3 virulence factors used by bacteria to evade the immune system. Describe at least 3 virulence factors used to enter host cells. Define toxins and provide at least 2 examples. Describe multiple ways bacteria can share virulence factors b/w them. List some effects viruses can exert on host cells to cause disease. Pathogen: a microorganism that can cause a disease process. Always cause disease even in healthy immuno-competent indivs. Pathogenicity: capability (of a pathogenic agent) to cause disease; (cid:272)a(cid:374) (cid:271)e (cid:862)(cid:395)ua(cid:374)titati(cid:448)e(cid:863) Virulence: degree of pathogenicity of a particular organism. Virulence factors: produced by pathogens that either help them evade the immune system or cause cell/tissue damage (e. g. toxins, fc receptors, capsules etc); nothing to do with capability. Streptococcus pneumoniae = pathogen, but only when produces a capsule (virulence factor) How the pathogen gains entry to the host. A microorganism that may cause disease if given the right circumstances. Mucor species diabetics (leads to eye infection) = mould.