What are 3 differences between resident bacteria and transient bacteria? (5)
1. Duration: Resident bacteria are permanently present in the body, typically colonizing specific sites such as the skin, respiratory tract, and gut, whereas transient bacteria are temporarily present and do not establish long-term colonization.
2. Impact on health: Resident bacteria play a vital role in maintaining the body's overall health by aiding digestion, producing essential nutrients, and protecting against harmful pathogens. In contrast, transient bacteria do not have a significant impact on health and are often harmless or even potentially harmful.
3. Ability to cause infection: Resident bacteria are typically non-pathogenic and do not cause infection under normal circumstances. In contrast, transient bacteria have the potential to cause infection if they enter areas of the body where they are not normally found or if the immune system is compromised.