Infection endogenous

Many areas of the human body are colonized with bacteria— this is known as normal flora. Infections often arise from one s own normal flora (also called an endogenous infection). Endogenous infection may occur when there are alterations in the normal flora (e.g., recent antimicrobial use may allow for overgrowth of other normal flora) or disruption of host defenses (e.g., a break or entry in the skin). Knowing what organisms reside where can help to guide empirical antimicrobial therapy (Fig. 66-1). In addition, it is beneficial to know what anatomic sites are normally sterile. These include the cerebrospinal fluid, blood, and urine. 

Viral infections continue to be significant causes of morbidity and mortality and at the same time continue to be resistant to treatment by small molecules. Avridine (6) is an antiviral compound which has shown some activity in a variety of animal tests apparently based upon its ability to stimulate a number of cells to produce the high molecular weight endogenous antiviral substance interferon. Thus, the compound is believed to operate indirectly by stimulating the body s own natural defenses against viral penetration into host cells. Avridine is synthesized by... 

On the other hand, EFN-a may also be involved in the activation of autoreactive T-cells as has been proposed for type I diabetes. An DFN-a inducible superantigen, encoded by the truncated envelope gene of a human endogenous retrovirus and specifically activating V 37 T-cells, has been detected in pancreatic lesions from type I diabetes patients, infiltrated by V 37 T-cells. Since IFN-a expression could be detected in pancreatic (3 cells in conceit with persistent viral infections, there is a clear link between viral infections and autoimmunity via IFN-a-stimulated superantigen expression. 

Malamy, J., Carr, J.P., Klessig. D.F., Raskin (1990). Salicylic acid A likely endogenous signal in the resistance response of tobacco to viral infection. Science 250. 1002-1004. 

Carpentier PA, Duncan DS, Miller SD (2008) GUal toU-hke receptor signaling in central nervous system infection and autoimmunity. Brain Behav Immun 22 140-147 Carr DJ, Serou M (1995) Exogenous and endogenous opioids as biological response modifiers. Immunopharmacology 31 59-71... 

Findings on physical examination, along with the clinical presentation, can help to provide the anatomic location of the infection. Once the anatomic site is identified, the most probable pathogens associated with disease can be determined based on likely endogenous or exogenous flora. 

Risk factors for salmonellosis include extremes of age, alteration of the endogenous bowel flora of the intestine (e.g., as a result of antimicrobial therapy or surgery), diabetes, malignancy, rheumatologic disorders, human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection, and therapeutic immunosuppression of all types. 

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