8 - Bacteria and Disease
8 - Bacteria and Disease
I. Introduction:
Various organisms form diverse relationships, some of which benefit only the
organism itself, while others may be detrimental to other organisms. Similarly, the
interaction between bacteria and humans varies. Certain bacteria, like those
comprising the normal flora, coexist within the human body without causing
disease, whereas many others can be pathogenic, leading to illness. The textbook
and classroom discussions thoroughly explore the relationship between bacteria
and disease. This exercise aims to evaluate students' comprehension of the
discussed concepts.
II. Objectives:
At the end of the laboratory period, the student should be able to:
1 differentiate
a. disease and infection,
b. pollution and contamination, and
c. virulence and pathogenicity;
2 describe the different types of host pathogen relationships;
3 discuss the mechanisms of disease production; and
4 tabulate the differences between endotoxin and exotoxin.
III. Instructions:
I. Answer the following:
1. Differentiate:
a. disease from infection
Disease arises from an unfavorable interaction between the host
and a pathogen, disrupting normal bodily functions. Infection,
conversely, occurs when pathogenic microorganisms invade the body.
While infection doesn't always lead to disease, it can if the host's
immune response fails to contain the pathogens (Bartolome & Quiles,
2020, p. 133).
II. Compare exotoxin from endotoxin by filling out the table below.
Feature Exotoxin Endotoxin
Relation to are proteins secreted are lipopolysaccharides (LPS)
cell by living bacterial found in the outer membrane
cells, targeting specific of Gram-negative bacteria,
cellular functions triggering systemic
inflammation when released
upon bacterial cell death
Toxicity Extremely toxic; Weakly toxic
sometimes fatal
Stability are more susceptible can withstand heat and other
to heat and other harsh conditions, making
denaturing conditions. them more resistant to
environmental factors.
2. Epidemic
An epidemic is an unexpected increase in the number of disease cases in a
specific geographical area (Epidemic, Endemic, Pandemic: What Are the
Differences?, 2024). Yellow fever, smallpox, measles, and polio are prime
examples of epidemics. An epidemic disease doesn't necessarily have to be
contagious.
3. Sporadic
Sporadic is an adjective that you can use to refer to something that happens
or appears often, but not constantly or regularly (“Sporadic,” 2024). In
infectious disease epidemiology, a sporadic disease occurs infrequently and
irregularly in isolated instances, lacking a discernible temporal or spatial
pattern (Biology Online, 2022), unlike recognizable epidemic outbreaks or
endemic patterns.
4. Exotic
Exotic refers to something foreign, unfamiliar, or originating from outside of
one's usual environment or region.
V. Conclusion:
In summary, the lab activity tackles infectious diseases, helping us
understand how they spread and affect us. We learn the difference between
disease and infection, explore how pathogens make us unwell, and see the
various ways they interact with our bodies and environment. By studying
disease stages, like when symptoms first appear to when we recover, and
comparing different types of toxins, we gain insights that can help us fight
diseases better. Overall, this activity gives us a clearer picture of how diseases
work and how we can protect ourselves.
VI. References:
Bartolome, F. a. B., & Quiles, E. P. Q. (2020). Microbiology and Parasitology: A textbook and
laboratory manual for the health sciences (2nd ed.). C&E Publishing, Inc.
Biology Online. (2022, April 22). Sporadic Definition and Examples - Biology Online Dictionary.
https://www.biologyonline.com/dictionary/sporadic
Epidemic, Endemic, Pandemic: What are the Differences? (2024, April 9). Columbia University
endemic-pandemic-what-are-differences
https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/sporadic#:~:text=%3A%20occurring
%20occasionally%2C%20singly%2C%20or,a%20sporadic%20disease
Taber's Cyclopedic Medical Dictionary. 24th ed. F.A. Davis Company; 2021.
www.tabers.com/tabersonline. Accessed April 20, 2023.