Obligate intracellular pathogen

Definition

An obligate intracellular pathogen is a microorganism that can only replicate and survive within the cells of a host organism. They rely on the host's cellular machinery for energy production and reproduction.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Obligate intracellular pathogens include bacteria such as Rickettsia and Chlamydia.
2. These pathogens are incapable of generating their own ATP and must hijack the host cell's resources.
3. They often evade the immune system by residing within host cells, making them difficult to target with antibiotics.
4. Transmission typically occurs via vectors like ticks or through direct contact with infected bodily fluids.
5. Diagnosis often requires specialized techniques such as PCR due to their intracellular nature.

Review Questions

• Why are obligate intracellular pathogens dependent on host cells for survival?
• Name two examples of obligate intracellular pathogens from the Proteobacteria group.
• What challenges do obligate intracellular pathogens pose for treatment and diagnosis?

Related terms

Facultative Intracellular Pathogen: A microorganism that can live both inside and outside a host cell.

Vector-borne Transmission: The spread of pathogens through organisms like mosquitoes or ticks.

PCR (Polymerase Chain Reaction): A laboratory technique used to amplify DNA sequences, often employed in diagnosing infections by intracellular pathogens.