Chapter 6 - Infection Flashcards
microbiology
the study of microorganisms
coccus
any spherical or roughly spherical bacterium
bacillus
a rod-shaped bacterium
vibrio
a genus of Gram-negative bacteria, possessing a curved-rod shape, several species of which can cause foodborne infection, usually associated with eating undercooked seafood.
spirillum (plural: spirilla)
a bacterium with a rigid spiral structure, found in stagnant water and sometimes causing disease
pleomorphism
the ability of some microorganisms to alter their morphology, biological functions or reproductive modes in response to environmental conditions
spirochete
a flexible spirally twisted bacterium, especially one that causes syphilis
palisade
(1) a steel or wooden fence or wall of variable height, usually used as a defensive structure
(2) [pathology] a single layer of relatively long cells, arranged loosely perpendicular to a surface and parallel to each other
morphology (biology)
the branch of biology that deals with the form of living organisms, and with relationships between their structures
perpendicular
at an angle of 90° to a given line, plane, or surface
pathogens
the disease-causing microbes often referred to as “germs.” Infectious diseases result from invasion of the body by microbes and multiplication of these microbes, followed by damage to the body
culture medium
also called growth medium; a liquid or gel designed to support the growth of microorganisms
bacteria
a member of a large group of unicellular microorganisms which have cell walls but lack organelles and an organized nucleus, including some that can cause disease
virus
an infective agent that typically consists of a nucleic acid molecule in a protein coat, is too small to be seen by light microscopy, and is able to multiply only within the living cells of a host
fungi
any of a group of spore-producing organisms feeding on organic matter, including molds, yeast, mushrooms, and toadstools
spore
a minute, typically one-celled, reproductive unit capable of giving rise to a new individual without sexual fusion, characteristic of lower plants, fungi, and protozoans
mycoplasma
a genus of bacteria that lack a cell wall around their cell membranes. This characteristic makes them naturally resistant to antibiotics that target cell wall synthesis. They can be parasitic or saprotrophic
saprotroph
an organism that feeds on nonliving organic matter known as detritus at a microscopic level
detritus
waste or debris of any kind
strept/o
twisted chains or strips
staphyl/o
grow in clusters like grapes
pathogenicity
the capacity of an organism to cause disease
virulence
a pathogen’s or microorganism’s ability to cause damage to a host
pili
tiny hair-like projections found on some bacteria, usually the gram-negatives; they are a specialized kind of fimbriae that facilitate the transfer of genetic material between some bacterial cells, thus leading to greater genetic variation
fimbriae
tiny hair-like projections found on some bacteria, usually the gram-negatives; they assist in attachment of the bacterium to tissue and also allow some organisms to “drag” themselves across surfaces
archaea
a domain of single-celled organisms; these microorganisms lack cell nuclei and are therefore prokaryotes
prokaryote
A microscopic single-celled organism that has neither a distinct nucleus with a membrane nor other specialized organelles. Prokaryotes include the bacteria and cyanobacteria
cyanobacteria
A division of microorganisms that are related to the bacteria but are capable of photosynthesis. They are prokaryotic and represent the earliest known form of life on the earth.
photosynthesis
the process by which green plants and some other organisms use sunlight to synthesize foods from carbon dioxide and water. Photosynthesis in plants generally involves the green pigment chlorophyll and generates oxygen as a byproduct.
exotoxin
a toxin released by a living bacterial cell into its surroundings
endotoxin
a toxin that is present inside a bacterial cell and is released when the cell disintegrates
enterotoxin
a toxin produced in or affecting the intestines, such as those causing food poisoning or cholera
neurotoxin
a poison which acts on the nervous system
endospore
a resistant asexual spore that develops inside some bacteria cells
tetanus
a bacterial disease marked by rigidity and spasms of the voluntary muscles
botulism
a rare but serious condition caused by toxins produced from bacteria called Clostridium botulinum
foodborne botulism
The harmful botulinum bacteria thrive and produce the toxin in environments with little oxygen, such as in home-canned food.
wound botulism
when botulinum bacteria get into a cut, they can cause a dangerous infection that produces the toxin
infant botulism
This most common form of botulism begins after Clostridium botulinum bacterial spores grow in a baby’s intestinal tract. It typically occurs in babies between the ages of 2 months and 8 months.
Clostridium botulinum
a Gram-positive, rod-shaped, anaerobic, spore-forming, motile bacterium with the ability to produce the neurotoxin botulinum (botulism)
motile
(of cells, gametes, and single-celled organisms) capable of motion
anaerobic (biology)
relating to, involving, or requiring an absence of free oxygen
aerobic (biology)
relating to, involving, or requiring free oxygen
binary fission
A method of asexual reproduction that involves the splitting of a parent cell into two daughter cells.
virion
a virus that has not yet infected a host cell
retrovirus
any of a group of RNA viruses which insert a DNA copy of their genome into the host cell in order to replicate, e.g. HIV
Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19)
a contagious disease caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2); symptoms range from unnoticeable to life-threatening
phylogenetic tree
a branching diagram or a tree showing the evolutionary relationships among various biological species or other entities based upon similarities and differences in their physical or genetic characteristics
coronavirus
any of a family (Coronaviridae) of large single-stranded RNA viruses that have a lipid envelope studded with club-shaped spike proteins, and that infect birds and many mammals including humans
Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 1 (SARS-CoV-1)
a strain of coronavirus that causes severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS), the respiratory illness responsible for the 2002–2004 SARS outbreak
Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS‑CoV‑2)
the virus that causes COVID-19 (coronavirus disease 2019), the respiratory illness responsible for the COVID-19 pandemic
influenza
a highly contagious viral infection of the respiratory passages causing fever, severe aching, and catarrh, and often occurring in epidemics
mumps
a contagious and infectious viral disease causing swelling of the parotid salivary glands in the face, and a risk of sterility in adult males
measles
an infectious viral disease causing fever and a red rash on the skin, typically occurring in childhood
Hepatitis A
A highly contagious liver infection caused by the hepatitis A virus. Hepatitis A is preventable by vaccine. It spreads from contaminated food or water, or contact with someone who is infected.
Hepatitis B
A serious liver infection caused by the hepatitis B virus; easily preventable by a vaccine. This disease is most commonly spread by exposure to infected body fluids.
Hepatitis C
An infection caused by a virus that attacks the liver and leads to inflammation. The virus is spread by contact with contaminated blood, for example, from sharing needles or from unsterile tattoo equipment.
polio
a disabling and life-threatening disease caused by the poliovirus; the virus spreads from person to person and can infect a person’s spinal cord, causing paralysis
human papillomavirus (HPV)
The most common sexually transmitted infection in the United States. Most people with HPV do not know they are infected and never develop symptoms or health problems from it. Some people find out they have HPV when they get genital warts.
mononucleosis
often called the kissing disease. The virus that causes mono (Epstein-Barr virus) is spread through saliva. You can get it through kissing, but you can also be exposed by sharing a glass or food utensils with someone who has mono; it causes a sore throat and fever
Herpes simplex
A virus causing contagious sores, most often around the mouth or on the genitals
varicella (chickenpox)
a very contagious disease caused by the varicella-zoster virus (VZV). It causes a blister-like rash, itching, tiredness, and fever.
catarrh
excessive discharge or buildup of mucus in the nose or throat, associated with inflammation of the mucous membrane
parotid gland
either of a pair of large salivary glands situated just in front of each ear
Hepatitis D
a virus that requires hepatitis B virus (HBV) for its replication
Hepatitis E
A liver disease caused by the hepatitis E virus. The hepatitis E virus is mainly transmitted through drinking water contaminated with fecal matter.
chlamydia
A common bacterial STD that can infect both men and women. It can cause serious, permanent damage to a woman’s reproductive system. This can make it difficult or impossible for her to get pregnant later on.
gonorrhea
a sexually transmitted bacterial infection that, if untreated, may cause infertility
rickettsiae
tiny gram-negative bacteria that live inside a host cell (obligate intracellular parasites). They are transmitted by insect vectors, such as lice or ticks, and cause diseases such as typhus fever and Rocky Mountain spotted fever. They attack blood vessel walls, causing a typical rash and small hemorrhages.
typhus fevers
a group of diseases caused by bacteria that are spread to humans by fleas, lice, and chiggers
candida
normally a harmless fungus present on the skin; however, when there are imbalances in the normal flora, it may cause infection in the oral cavity, called thrush in infants, and is a common cause of vaginal infections.
flora
(1) the plant life present in a particular region or time
(2) [microbiology] collective bacteria and other microorganisms in a host
fauna
the animals of a particular region, habitat, or geological period
histoplasma
a fungus causing a lung infection that may become disseminated through the body in immunosuppressed patients
Entamoeba histolytica
a parasite in the large intestine that causes amebic dysentery, a severe form of diarrhea, and liver abscesses if it penetrates into the portal circulation
portal circulation
the circulation of nutrient-rich blood between the gut and liver
dysentery
infection of the intestines resulting in severe diarrhea with the presence of blood and mucus in the feces
giardia
a cyst-forming organism that is excreted in feces and can survive in the environment for a considerable period of time before it is ingested by a new host
prions
misfolded proteins with the ability to transmit their misfolded shape onto normal variants of the same protein. They characterize several fatal and transmissible neurodegenerative diseases in humans and many other animals
algae
eukaryotic microorganisms widespread in fresh and marine waters; they are a main component of plankton and are usually not a concern for human disease
plankton
the small and microscopic organisms drifting or floating in the sea or fresh water; they are unable to propel themselves against a current (or wind)
infection
The invasion and multiplication of microorganisms such as bacteria, viruses, and parasites that are not normally present within the body.
endemic
(of a disease or condition) regularly found among particular people or in a certain area
fomite
objects or materials which are likely to carry infection, such as clothes, utensils, and furniture
vector-borne disease
Disease that results from an infection transmitted to humans and other animals by blood-feeding anthropods, such as mosquitoes, ticks, and fleas. Examples of vector-borne diseases include Dengue fever, West Nile Virus, Lyme disease, and malaria.
catheter
a flexible tube inserted through a narrow opening into a body cavity, particularly the bladder, for removing fluid
superbugs
microbes that have caused serious illness in otherwise healthy individuals or do not respond to any drugs
rubella
a contagious disease caused by a virus. Most people who get rubella usually have a mild illness, with symptoms that can include a low-grade fever, sore throat, and a rash that starts on the face and spreads to the rest of the body
pertussis (whooping cough)
a highly contagious respiratory disease. It is caused by the bacterium Bordetella pertussis. Pertussis is known for uncontrollable, violent coughing which often makes it hard to breathe.
antiseptics
antimicrobial chemicals designed to be used on living tissue such as isopropyl alcohol–70%, which is the active ingredient in hand sanitizers
autoclaving
a sterilization method that uses high-pressure steam
incubation period (disease)
the time the body is exposed to the organism and the appearance of clinical signs of the disease. Incubation periods vary considerably, depending on the characteristics of the organism, and may last for days or months. During this time the organisms reproduce until there are sufficient numbers to cause adverse effects in the body.
prodromal period (disease)
the early symptoms stage when the infected person may feel fatigued, lose appetite, or have a headache and usually senses that “I am coming down with something.”
acute period (disease)
when the infectious disease develops fully and the clinical manifestations reach a peak. The onset of a specific infection may be insidious, with a prolonged or gradual prodromal period, or sudden or acute, with the clinical signs appearing quickly with severe manifestations.
local infection
organism enters the body and remains confined to a specific location
focal infection
pathogen spreads from a local infection to other tissues
systemic infection
infection spreads to several sites and tissue fluids, typically through the circulatory system
septicemia
infection caused by multiplication of pathogenic organisms in the blood and the cause of sepsis, a toxic inflammatory condition arising from the spread of microbes
bacteremia
presence of bacteria in the blood
toxemia
presence of toxins in the blood
viremia
presence of viruses in the blood
mixed infection
several infectious agents concurrently establish themselves at the same site
acute infection
appear rapidly with severe symptoms but are short lived
chronic infections
less severe symptoms than acute but persist for a long period
primary infection
initial or first time exposure/infection
secondary infection
follow a primary infection and are caused by a microbe other than that causing the primary infection; opportunistic pathogens are often the cause of a secondary infection
subclinical infection
do not cause apparent signs or symptoms, although they may persist over long periods of time
lymphadenopathy
a term that refers to the swelling of lymph nodes
leukopenia
a reduction in the number of leukocytes in the blood
prophylactic
a medication or a treatment designed and used to prevent a disease from occurring
antibiotics
drugs or substances that can kill or inhibit the growth of microorganisms. Originally derived from organisms, such as penicillin from mold, many drugs are now synthetic or semisynthetic.
antimicrobials
drugs that may be classified by the type of microbe against which the drug is active, such as antibacterials, antivirals, and antifungals. These drugs are unique to the type of organism and are not interchangeable.
bactericidal drugs
drugs that kill organisms
bacteriostatic drugs
drugs that inhibit reproduction and rely on the host’s defenses to destroy the organisms
broad spectrum drugs
antibacterials that are effective against both gram-negative and gram-positive organisms
narrow-spectrum drugs
drugs that act against either gram-negative or gram-positive organisms, but not both
penicillin
an antibiotic or group of antibiotics produced naturally by certain blue molds, and now usually prepared synthetically
blue mold
a bluish fungus that grows on food. Blue molds are deliberately introduced into some cheeses, and some kinds are used to produce antibiotics such as penicillin.
capsid
the protein shell of a virus, enclosing its genetic material
anthelmintics
other names: antihelminthics, antiparasitics; a type of medicine that kills helminths
helminths
worm-like parasites such as flukes, roundworms, and tapeworms
Antiprotozoal agents
An agent that destroys protozoa or inhibits their growth and ability to reproduce
Myxovirus
any of a group of viruses of the families Orthomyxoviridae (agents of influenza) and Paramyxoviridae, members of which can cause the common cold, mumps, and measles in humans, canine distemper, rinderpest in cattle, and Newcastle disease in fowl
rinderpest
an infectious disease of ruminants, especially cattle, caused by a paramyxovirus. It is characterized by fever, dysentery, and inflammation of the mucous membranes
canine distemper
a viral disease that affects a wide variety of mammal families, including domestic and wild species of dogs, coyotes, foxes, pandas, wolves, ferrets, skunks, raccoons, and felines; it affects several body systems, including the gastrointestinal and respiratory tracts and the spinal cord and brain, with common symptoms that include high fever, eye inflammation and eye/nose discharge, labored breathing and coughing, vomiting and diarrhea, loss of appetite and lethargy, and hardening of nose and footpads
Newcastle disease
a contagious and fatal viral disease affecting the respiratory, nervous and digestive systems of birds and poultry
H1N1
a subtype of Influenza A virus. Well known outbreaks of H1N1 strains in humans include the 2009 swine flu pandemic, the 1977 Russian flu pandemic as well as the 1918 flu pandemic
