8C - Controlling Pathogen Spread

Question 1

serology

Answer 1

The study of blood serum, typically to determine the presence of antibodies and/or antigens.

Question 2

serum

Answer 2

The fluid and solute component of blood that excludes blood cells, platelets, and clotting factors.

Question 3

enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA)

Answer 3

An experimental technique used to identify a pathogen by determining the presence of antigens or antibodies in a sample.

Question 4

host

Answer 4

An organism that harbours a pathogen.

Question 5

transmission

Answer 5

The passing of a pathogen from an infected host to another individual or group.

Question 6

airborne transmission

Answer 6

The spread of pathogens through air via small particles (traditionally <5 nano metres)

Question 7

droplet transmission

Answer 7

The spread of pathogens through air and contaminated surfaces via respiratory droplets

Question 8

respiratory droplets

Answer 8

Droplets (traditionally >5 nano metres) produced by breathing, talking, vomiting, and coughing. They may contain saliva, mucus and other substances from the respiratory tract, including cells/ particles of pathogens.

Question 9

direct physical contact transmission

Answer 9

The spread of pathogens through contact between a host and another individual.

Question 10

vertical transmission

Answer 10

Spread of pathogens from mother-to-child during gestation, during childbirth or post-birth due to close physical contact and breastfeeding of a newborn.

Question 11

iatrogenic

Answer 11

Describes a disease caused by medical intervention.

Question 12

indirect physical contact transmission

Answer 12

The spread of pathogens via contaminated objects or vectors.

Question 13

fomites

Answer 13

An inanimate object that, when contaminated with a pathogen, can transmit that pathogen to a new host.

Question 14

vector

Answer 14

An organism that is not affected by a disease but spreads it between hosts.

Question 15

faecal-oral transmission

Answer 15

The spread of pathogens via oral consumption of contaminated faeces.

Question 16

antiseptic

Answer 16

A substance that is applied to living tissue to kill or slow the growth of microorganisms.

Question 17

disinfectant

Answer 17

A substance that is applied to non-living materials to kill or slow the growth of microorganisms.

Question 18

anibiotic

Answer 18

Medications used to kill bacteria or slow their growth.

Question 19

antiviral

Answer 19

Medications used to treat viral infections.

Question 20

antimicrobial resistance

Answer 20

The ability of a microorganism to survive exposure to an antimicrobial agent.