MICR3001 Lecture Notes - Lecture 6: Antigenic Variation, Phase Variation, Dura Mater
Document Summary
Host adapted pathogens: microorganisms with no other environmental niche, evolved with the host, only usually cause benign disease, eg. Gas causes sore throat: as opposed to ebola which has a high mortality rate and does not usually. Phase variation: reversible modification of surface antigens, high frequency of genes switching on and off. Antigenic and phase variation: particularly in host adapted pathogens, eg. Bacterial infection of the cns resulting in inflammation of the meninges: protective layers of connective tissue covering the brain and spinal cord, composed of dura mater, arachnoid and pia mater. Leading infectious cause of death in childhood. Early diagnosis and treatment is vital to prevent long term neurological damage or death. Symptoms: general (fever, headache, vomiting, lethargy, rash (meningococcal, neck stiffness, seizures, unconsciousness, coma, raised intracranial pressure. Transmitted by aerosols from the nose and throat of an infected person. Bacteria can be carries without development of serious disease.
