Microbial pathogens can cause disease through several mechanisms: 1. They produce toxins or enzymes like exotoxins and endotoxins that damage host cells. Common exotoxins include neurotoxins and enterotoxins. 2. They secrete adhesins and other factors like capsules that help them attach to and evade host defenses, making it easier to infect tissues. 3. After entering through mucous membranes or breaks in the skin, pathogens must overcome the host's immune responses and outgrow the local microbiota to cause illness. Virulence factors play an important role in this process.

1. Microbial Mechanisms of Pathogenesis

10. Mucus Membranes of the Genitourinary System Acidic urine Vaginal secretion- Acidic due to fermentation of glycogen by lactobacillus Gonorrhea Neisseria gonorrhoeae Syphilis Treponema pallidum Chlamydia Chlamydia trachomatis HIV Herpes Simplex II

15. How do Bacterial Pathogens penetrate Host Defenses? 1. Adherence - almost all pathogens have a means to attach to host tissue Binding Sites adhesins ligands

21. B. Hemolysins - cause the lysis of RBC’s Streptococci

22. 1. Alpha Hemolytic Streptococci - secrete hemolysins that cause the incomplete lysis or RBC’s

23. 2. Beta Hemolytic Streptococci - Secrete hemolysins that cause the complete lysis of RBC’s

28. G. Necrotizing Factor - Causes death (necrosis) to tissue cells “ Flesh Eating Bacteria”