B5 Communicable Diseases Flashcards
Communicable disease
A disaease caused by pathogens that can be passed from one organism to another
Pathogen
A micro-organism that causes disease
Vector
An agent that transmits infectious disease without contracting it itself
Binary fission
The process used by bacteria to self-replicate and reproduce asexually
Lag Phase
A slow rate of bacterial growth as innoculation occurs
Exponential Phase
The rapid increase in bacterial population
Stationary Phase
The bacterial population is constant as they fight for nutrients - same number of living and dead cells
Decline Phase
The bacteria start to die out quickly due to lack of nutrients for continued binary fission
Aseptic
Free from contamination caused by harmful micro-organisms; surgically sterile/sterilised
Clean surface
A surface that has been washed so no dirt is visible
Sterilised surface
A surface that has been washed and treated to destroy any living organisms
Disinfectant
A substance capable of destroying/ inhibiting micro-organisms
Aseptic Techniques
A way of working that takes special precaution to avoid contamination of unwanted micro-organisms
Sterile
Free from bacteria or other micro-organisms
Anti-biotics
Chemicals that can be used inside the body to kill bacteria/ prevent bacterial growth
Zone of Inhibition
An area where no bacteria are present in the culture
Bacteria
Unicellular organisms that produce toxins
Viruses
Self-replicating micro-organisms that rapidly reproduce in host cells until they burst and are damaged
Fungi
Micro-organisms that have hyphae or thread-like structures and spread spores
Protists
Parasites and other unicellular organisms
Lymphocytes
Produce anti-bodies and anti-toxins
Phagocytes
engulf pathogens via phagocytosis
Phagocytosis
When phagocytes engulf and digest pathogens
Name 5 ways in which pathogens are spread
- air
- insects and animals
- bodily fluids
- contamination of food and water
- touching
