Process of Infection

Created by: Greta Biveinyte
Created on: 22-03-22 11:29

Four stages of progression

1. Colonization
2. Invasion
3. Multiplication
4. Spread

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Colonization

▪ Infectious microorganisms exist in reservoirs e.g.
environment, animals or infected human
▪ Transmitted via direct contact, or indirectly by
vectors (insects)
▪ Human-to-human transmission by aerosolized
microorganisms in droplets –
primary means of

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Invasion

▪ Infectious agent can invade surrounding tissues/other
sites
▪ Developed mechanisms to penetrate tissues & avoid
host’s nonspecific and specific defences (inflammation
& immunity)

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Multiplication

▪ Warm, nutrient filled host environment
▪ Undergo rapid multiplication – replicate within infected
cells (viral pathogens); replicate in macrophages &
other cells (bacterial pathogens)

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Spread

Produce localized infections without spread to other
regions of the body
▪ Others highly invasive - may enter lymphatics, blood,
internal organs
▪ Successful spread - relies on virulence factors –
adhesion molecules, toxins & protection against host’s

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Other cards in this set

Card 2

Front

Back

Colonization

Card 3

Front

▪ Infectious agent can invade surrounding tissues/other
sites
▪ Developed mechanisms to penetrate tissues & avoid
host’s nonspecific and specific defences (inflammation
& immunity)

Back

Card 4

Front

▪ Warm, nutrient filled host environment
▪ Undergo rapid multiplication – replicate within infected
cells (viral pathogens); replicate in macrophages &
other cells (bacterial pathogens)

Back

Card 5

Front

Back

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Process of Infection