Microbiology and Immunology 2500A/B Lecture Notes - Lecture 1: White Blood Cell, Apoptosis, Hematopoietic Stem Cell

• School: Western University
• Department: Microbiology and Immunology
• Course: Microbiology and Immunology 2500A/B
• Professor: Kelly Summers

Document Summary

Why do we have an immune system = protects us from microorganisms (pathogens) that can cause infections i. e. bacteria, virus, parasite, fungi. Immune system aims to destroy pathogens but if it cannot get disease microorganisms have extreme advantage of reproducing and growing quickly. Infectious diseases = leading cause of death worldwide control of infectious diseases has allowed the increase in life expectancy. Best way to control infectious diseases vaccination. Possible outcomes when infected by a pathogen: kill pathogen (stay healthy, pathogen kills you, pass on pathogen to someone else (transmission) Newborns are very susceptible especially if mother has not been exposed to pathogen. How to break the chain remove reservoir: i. e. control vectors/animal reservoirs, water treatment/purification (waterborne disease, sewage disposal (enteric pathogens) ; lacking in many countries, food proper cooking/storage, preservatives, pasteurization, disinfectants (sanitizer, antibiotics. To eliminate the transmission of disease = hygiene practices (using disinfectants/washing hands/covering mouth when sick, etc)