Module 10: Innate Nonspecific Host Defenses

This module is about innate nonspecific host defenses. In your daily life, you may have had in your past a pimple (hair folliculitis) with infection and inflammation. Inflammation is part of innate nonspecific host defenses. Other parts are cellular, physical, mechanical defenses, phagocytosis and pathogen recognition. (Image: Pustule, by LBPics, https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/6/6c/20200822_Pustule_2.jpg , Creative Commons CC0 1.0 Universal Public Domain Dedication; accessed Dec 29 2025).

Upon completion of this module, you will be able to:

1. Obj. 1 Describe the various physical barriers and mechanical defenses that protect the human body against infection and disease (C.O. # 2 Explain the immune system, including defenses of the host and immune diseases; C.O. # 6 Engage with interactive and multimedia OER materials to enhance understanding and retention of microbiological concepts.)
   
2. Obj. 2 Describe the role of microbiota as a first-line defense against infection and disease (C.O. # 2 & 6)
   
3. Obj. 3 Describe how enzymes, antimicrobial peptides, complement components, cytokines, and acute-phase proteins in body fluids provide protection against infection or disease (C.O. # 2 & 6)
   
4. Obj. 4 Describe similarities and differences among classic, alternate, and lectin complement pathways (C.O. # 2 & 6)
   
5. Obj.5 Identify and describe the components of blood (C.O. # 2 & 6)
   
6. Obj. 6 Explain the process by which the formed elements of blood are formed (hematopoiesis) and describe the characteristics of formed elements found in peripheral blood, as well as their respective functions within the innate immune system (C.O. # 2 & 6)
   
7. Obj. 7 Explain the mechanisms by which leukocytes recognize pathogens and the mechanisms by which phagocytes destroy and degrade pathogens (C.O. # 2 & 6)
   
8. Obj. 8 Identify the signs of inflammation and fever and explain why they occur (C.O. # 2 & 6)

To achieve these objectives:

1. Read the Module 10 Introduction 
2. Read Chapter 10 Innate Nonspecific Host Defenses in Medical Microbiology for Nursing and Allied Health: A Louisiana Perspective
3. Complete the following activities: Download and read the lecture slides about innate immunity. Take the quiz about innate immunity.

Module Pressbooks Resources and Activities