What is included in the body’s nonspecific defense against invading pathogens?

The body's nonspecific defiance against invading pathogens is known as innate immunity and includes the following:

mechanical barriers and surface secretions                                             

1. The intact skin and mucous membranes of the body. These provide a high degree of protection against pathogens.

2. The sebaceous secretions and sweat of the skin contain bactericidal and fungicidal fatty acids that can kill bacteria and fungi.

3. Normal bacterial flora of the skin may produce various antimicrobial substances such as bacteriocines and acids.

Humoral defence mechanisms

1. Lysozyme. This is an enzyme found in most tissue fluids apart from cerebrospinal fluid, urine, and sweat. It can kill bacteria.

2. Interferon. Inhibits viruses from replicating

3. Complement. This is a heat labile serum that can destroy gram-negative bacteria.