Key Terms
Order of travel
Mouth - pharynx - esophagus - stomach - small intestine
Accessory organs
Salivary glands, liver, gallbladder, spleen, pancreas
Goblet cells
Modified columnar epithelial cells; secrete gel-forming mucin (main component of mucus); line the entire GI tract; reduc
Oral cavity
Bacteria and archaea coat all surfaces; both aerobic and anaerobic species; different structures host unique communities
Stomach
PH 1.5-3.5; kills most ingested microbes; few organisms survive
Small intestine
Less harsh; supports limited communities including Lactobacillus, diptherioids, and fungus Candida
Large intestine (colon)
Most diverse and abundant microbiota
Process
1. Clean tooth contacts saliva; protein/carbohydrate layer forms 2.
Tartar (dental calculus)
Heavy, hardened, calcified plaque; contains Streptococcus and Actinomyces species
Progression
Focal necrosis - ulceration with exudate - pseudomembranous colitis (inflammation of colon; pseudomembrane of fibrin con
Treatment
Mebendazole, albendazole, or ivermectin
Gingivitis
Inflammation of gums; plaque colonizes gingival space; anaerobic environment develops; Porphyromonas, Streptococcus, Act
Periodontitis
Chronic gingivitis progresses; gums recede; exposed tooth below crown is unprotected; bacteria grow underneath enamel ca
Cause
Echinococcus granulosus (cestode) Definitive host: dogs
Diagnosis
Hepatitis virus serological panel (antibodies for HAV, HBV, HCV, sometimes HDV); immunological and genomic tests