Tropism

Definition

Tropism is the specificity of a pathogen, such as a virus or bacterium, for a particular host tissue or cell type. It determines which cells and tissues are targeted during infection.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Tropism is often determined by the presence of specific receptors on host cells that pathogens can bind to.
2. Viral tropism can dictate the pathogenicity and severity of viral diseases based on which tissues are infected.
3. Bacterial tropism can involve multiple factors, including adhesins, pili, and other virulence factors that facilitate attachment to host tissues.
4. Host immune response can influence tropism by either limiting or promoting pathogen spread to specific tissues.
5. Understanding pathogen tropism is crucial for developing targeted therapies and vaccines.

Review Questions

• What role do host cell receptors play in determining the tropism of a pathogen?
• How does viral tropism affect the severity of an infection?
• What factors contribute to bacterial tropism?

Related terms

Virulence Factor: A molecule produced by pathogens that contributes to the pathogenicity and facilitates infection.

Host Specificity: The range of different hosts that a particular pathogen can infect.

Pathogenicity: The ability of an organism to cause disease in a host.