Broken skin, the mouth, the nose, the eyes or ears, and unprotected sex are possible entry routes for which types of microorganisms?

Broken skin, the mouth, the nose, the eyes or ears, and unprotected sex are possible entry routes for which types of microorganisms?

• A. Parasites
• B. Allergens
• C. Pathogenic bacteria, or viruses, or fungi
• D. Toxins

Answer: (C)

Infectious organisms invade the body through mucous membranes or broken skin. The routes listed—broken skin, the mouth, the nose, the eyes or ears, and unprotected sex—are common pathways for pathogenic bacteria, viruses, and fungi to enter and establish infection. When skin is damaged, bacteria can slip in; inhalation or contact with droplets can bring viruses or fungi to the respiratory or other mucosal surfaces; touching or contact with the eyes, mouth, or genital mucosa can introduce pathogens; unprotected sex facilitates transmission of bacteria or viruses through mucous membranes. Allergens trigger immune reactions rather than infections, and toxins are harmful substances rather than living microorganisms; parasites can enter some of these routes too, but the described pathways are typical for bacteria, viruses, and fungi.

Infectious organisms invade the body through mucous membranes or broken skin. The routes listed—broken skin, the mouth, the nose, the eyes or ears, and unprotected sex—are common pathways for pathogenic bacteria, viruses, and fungi to enter and establish infection. When skin is damaged, bacteria can slip in; inhalation or contact with droplets can bring viruses or fungi to the respiratory or other mucosal surfaces; touching or contact with the eyes, mouth, or genital mucosa can introduce pathogens; unprotected sex facilitates transmission of bacteria or viruses through mucous membranes. Allergens trigger immune reactions rather than infections, and toxins are harmful substances rather than living microorganisms; parasites can enter some of these routes too, but the described pathways are typical for bacteria, viruses, and fungi.