Pathogenic micro organisms usually establish themselves in our bodies and cause diseases
• when the body resistance is low;
• when the normal microflora in the body is disrupted by antibiotic therapy; and
• in infants where the normal microflora is not established yet.
The following conditions lower the body's ability to twist or fight against pathogens:
• malnutrition;
• stress and overwork;
• harmful habits like smoking and drinking; and
• environmental pollution.
How micro organisms enter the body
The various ways In which and places through which pathogenic micro organisms enter the body are as follows:
• Through cuts, wounds and abrasions on the skin, e.g Clostridium tetani (found in soul) which causes tetanus
• Through the nose and mouth, e.g. influenza virus
• Through the mouth and oesophagus, e.g. entamoeba histolytica which causes amoebic dysentery
• Through direct contact, e.g. ringworm fungi and the spirochaete which causes syphilis
How pathogens harm the body:
Pathogenic micro organisms harm the body
• by using the Host's nutrients for their own growth and reproduction and thus starving the host tissue's;
• by destroying or damaging the tissues of the affected part of the body;
• by producing toxins or poisons which affect the functioning of a particular organ or system in the body. (Toxins are produced as waste products by micro organisms)
