8C - Controlling Pathogen Spread Flashcards
serology
The study of blood serum, typically to determine the presence of antibodies and/or antigens.
serum
The fluid and solute component of blood that excludes blood cells, platelets, and clotting factors.
enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA)
An experimental technique used to identify a pathogen by determining the presence of antigens or antibodies in a sample.
host
An organism that harbours a pathogen.
transmission
The passing of a pathogen from an infected host to another individual or group.
airborne transmission
The spread of pathogens through air via small particles (traditionally <5 nano metres)
droplet transmission
The spread of pathogens through air and contaminated surfaces via respiratory droplets
respiratory droplets
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.
direct physical contact transmission
The spread of pathogens through contact between a host and another individual.
vertical transmission
Spread of pathogens from mother-to-child during gestation, during childbirth or post-birth due to close physical contact and breastfeeding of a newborn.
iatrogenic
Describes a disease caused by medical intervention.
indirect physical contact transmission
The spread of pathogens via contaminated objects or vectors.
fomites
An inanimate object that, when contaminated with a pathogen, can transmit that pathogen to a new host.
vector
An organism that is not affected by a disease but spreads it between hosts.
faecal-oral transmission
The spread of pathogens via oral consumption of contaminated faeces.
antiseptic
A substance that is applied to living tissue to kill or slow the growth of microorganisms.
disinfectant
A substance that is applied to non-living materials to kill or slow the growth of microorganisms.
anibiotic
Medications used to kill bacteria or slow their growth.
antiviral
Medications used to treat viral infections.
antimicrobial resistance
The ability of a microorganism to survive exposure to an antimicrobial agent.
