Chapter 15Microbial Pathogenesis.ppt

Chapter 15: Microbial Pathogenesis Microbial Pathogenesis Entry into the Host Must access and adhere to host tissues, penetrate or evade host defenses, and damage tissue to cause disease. Portals of Entry The three main portals of entry are: Mucous membranes Skin Parenteral Microbial Mechanisms of Pathogenicity: How Microorganisms Cause Disease I. Mucous Membranes Epithelial tissue lining the: Respiratory tract: Easiest and most frequently used entry site for microbes. Gastrointestinal tract: Another common entry site. Enter through water, food, contaminated fingers and fomites. Must