3 Infectious & Communicable Diseases Flashcards
Pathogen
A bacterium, virus, or other microorganism that can cause disease
Requires nutrients to survive usually from humans
Needs moisture/warmth, and a certain a pH to thrive/replicate
Normal Flora
Microorganisms that provide protection
When in normal levels, can prevent bad microorganisms from replicating
Normal flora from one part of the body is helpful in that one part, but can cause infection in another part
Communicable
the ability to be transmitted from one to another; CONTAGIOUS
Infectious
when a disease is caused by a microorganism or pathogen
Endemic
Disease is expected in a certain area or among certain people
Epidemic
When the actual number of cases exceed the expected number of cases at a particular time
e.g. Expect 5 cases this year, but we see 10
Pandemic
disease is prevalent over whole country or world
name the Chains of Infection
HINT: I Recently Exited Michigan Entering Silence
Infectious Agent Reservoir Route of Exit Mode of Transmission Route of Entry Susceptible host
Infectious Agent
the first “Chain of Infection”
The pathogen
Reservoir
the second “Chain of Infection”
The host; whatever provides the environment for the pathogen
-the host is usually considered contagious
Route of Exit
the third “Chain of Infection”
How the disease transmits from reservoir to somewhere
common exits: mucus membranes of eyes, nose; vagina, etc.
Mode of Transmission
the fourth “Chain of Infection”
Ways for pathogens to move from exit to entrance
Direct Contact
a “Mode of Transmission”
Skin to skin, exchanged body fluids
Indirect Contact
a “Mode of Transmission”
usually FOITES, objects which are likely to carry infection; pathogens will stay for a finite time
Vector borne
a “Mode of Transmission”
usually insects; carry pathogen from infected person to non-infected
Airborne
a “Mode of Transmission”
an “Indirect Transmission”
Occurs when a infected individual sprays pathogens into air (by coughing, sneezing) and another person breathes it in
-some disease can stay in the air for a long time
Route of Entry
the fourth “Chain of Infection”
How the disease is received from reservoir
Susceptible host
the fifth “Chain of Infection”
someone with poor nutrition, weak immune system, etc.
what are the five stages of disease
Incubation/Latent Prodromal Stage Acute Stage Declining Stage Convalescent Stage
Incubation/Latent
Beginning stage of infectious disease.
Starts at first contact with pathogen.
The interval between exposure and first appearance of symptoms.
Doesn’t mean you’re not contagious.
Prodromal Stage
Interval between earliest symptoms and appearance of a rash or elevated temperature
Acute Stage
Symptoms peak, patient feels the worst.
Continues to be contagious.
Declining Stage
Characterized by lessening of symptoms.
Patient may wish to resume normal activities.
Convalescent Stage
The recovery period.
Begins when disease symptoms disappear.
Continues until patient has regained full strength and has returned to normal health state.
Vaccines
Stimulates our immune system to produce antibodies without actually infecting us with the disease
Typically contains a modified form of the pathogen (either killed or attenuated/weakened)
Prophylaxis
action taken to prevent disease, especially by specific means or against a specific disease
Disease Reporting and Surveillant
monitoring disease
Disease Notification/Partner Notification
letting someone know they’ve been potentially exposed to specific disease
examples of Vector-borne Diseases
Malaria
Dengue Fever
Lyme Disease
Ebola Virus
Vectors
Organisms (like mosquitos and ticks) that transmit pathogens from one infected person/animal to another
-responsible for 17% of global burden of infectious diseases
