Entry, exit and transmission
13 Entry, exit and transmission Introduction Microorganisms must attach to, or penetrate, the host’s body surfaces The mammalian host can be considered as a series of body surfaces (Fig. 13.1)….
The cellular basis of adaptive immune responses
11 The cellular basis of adaptive immune responses Introduction As we saw in a previous chapter, adaptive immune responses are generated by lymphocytes (Fig. 11.1), which are derived from stem…
Hospital infection, sterilization and disinfection
36 Hospital infection, sterilization and disinfection Introduction Infections associated with healthcare settings are an increasingly complex issue Amassing sick people together under one roof has many advantages, but some disadvantages,…
Infections in the compromised host
30 Infections in the compromised host Introduction The human body has a complex system of protective mechanisms to prevent infection. This involves both the adaptive (cellular and humoral) immune system…
Pathologic consequences of infection
17 Pathologic consequences of infection Introduction Symptoms of infections are produced by the microorganisms or by the host’s immune responses Symptoms that appear rapidly after the acquisition of an infection…
Upper respiratory tract infections
18 Upper respiratory tract infections Introduction The mucociliary system and the flushing action of saliva are defences against upper respiratory tract infection The air we inhale contains millions of suspended…
Immune defences in action
14 Immune defences in action Introduction The barrier effects of the skin and mucous membranes and their adjuncts such as cilia have already been referred to (see Ch. 9). We…
Protecting the host: vaccination
34 Protecting the host vaccination Introduction Vaccines are one of the most effective public health tools. This chapter will review how vaccines work, and the vaccines in current use. However,…
Central nervous system infections
24 Central nervous system infections Introduction Central nervous system infections are usually blood-borne or infectious agents invading via peripheral nerves The brain and spinal cord are protected from mechanical pressure…
Multisystem zoonoses
28 Multisystem zoonoses Introduction Some multisystem infections in humans are animal diseases (i.e. zoonoses) In these infections, a non-human vertebrate host is the reservoir of infection and humans are involved…
