Pathological Effects of Microorganisms
- Infections: Microorganisms can directly cause infections within body tissues, leading to inflammation, tissue damage, and dysfunction.
- Toxins: Some microorganisms produce toxins that can damage cells or tissues, causing specific pathological effects such as paralysis, respiratory distress, or organ failure.
- Immune system activation: Microorganisms can trigger an immune response that can lead to inflammation, tissue damage, and hypersensitivity reactions.
- Systemic consequences: Infections can also have systemic effects, such as fever, chills, weakness, and nausea.
Pathological Effects of Parasites
- Tissue damage: Parasites can physically damage host tissues by burrowing, feeding, or producing secretions.
- Nutrient depletion: Parasites can compete with the host for nutrients, leading to malnutrition or specific nutrient deficiencies.
- Immune system modulation: Parasites can evade or suppress the host's immune system, allowing them to establish chronic infections.
- Systemic effects: Parasitic infections can cause systemic effects such as fever, weight loss, fatigue, and organ dysfunction.
Specific Pathological Effects of Microorganisms and Parasites
| Microorganism/Parasite | Pathological Effect |
|---|---|
| Bacteria | Meningitis, pneumonia, sepsis, gastrointestinal infections |
| Viruses | Influenza, measles, AIDS, hepatitis |
| Fungi | Candidiasis, aspergillosis, sporotrichosis |
| Protozoa | Malaria, trypanosomiasis, amoebic dysentery |
| Helminths | Ascariasis, filariasis, schistosomiasis |
| Arthropods | Scabies, lice, ticks |
| Amoeba | Acanthamoeba keratitis, Naegleria fowleri meningoencephalitis |