Question

Explain how microorganisms enter our body?

Answer 1

There are various pathways through which microorganisms may invade our body. These are:

1. Disruptions in physical barriers
2. Inhaled through the nasal pathway
3. Consumed through the gastrointestinal pathway
4. Through the exchange of body fluids
5. Through infected devices
6. Through contact with the eyes

1. Disruptions in physical barriers
   • This involves the entry of the microorganism into the body through abrasions, cuts, or open wounds.
   • Eg: Clostridium tetani leads to tetanus through open wounds cut by rusted or dirty surfaces.
2. Inhaled through the nasal pathway
   • Certain microbes travel in the form of air droplets that are inhaled through the nasal pathway, thereby entering the body.
   • Eg: Influenza causing Myxovirus
3. Consumed through the gastrointestinal pathway
   • Contaminated food or water forms another pathway for the entry of microorganisms into the body through the GI tract.
   • Eg: Clostridium botulinum results in food poisoning
4. Through the exchange of body fluids
   • Any physical activity that leads to the exchange of body fluids forms a conduit for the transfer of microbes.
   • Eg: Gonorrhoeae caused by the bacteria Neisseria gonorrhoeae is contracted during unprotected intercourse and leads to infection of the genital tract.
5. Through infected devices
   • Infected needles, syringes, catheters, masks, and gloves lead to the contraction of disease by transferring the microbes on them.
   • Eg: AIDS can be contracted by injecting a healthy person with the syringe used for an AIDS patient.
6. Through contact with the eyes
   • Infection of the conjunctiva or the outermost part of the eyeball is caused by certain bacteria and viruses that come in contact with the eyes.
   • Eg: Conjunctivitis is caused by various viruses like Coronavirus.