entry routes of pathogens

• entry routes

  • broken skin- direct access to tissue and blood stream
  • digestive system-contaminated food or drink
  • respiratory system- inhaling
  • mucosal surfaces- lining of body cavities
• barriers to infection

  • skin- blood clotting mechanisms
  • microorganisms of gut and skin- gut flora competes with pathogens for resources, limiting their numbers
  • stomach acid- HCL, acidic low PH, unfavourable to many pathogens=denaturation
  • lysosomes= secretion from mucosal surfaces eg tears, saliva contains enzyme lysozyme- damage bacterial cell walls causing lysis