Chapter 9 Key Terms Flashcards
Acquired immunity
infection resistance to a specific organism that occurs after an individual has been infected with the organism, or that is conferred from a vaccine
Acquired resistance
infection resistance to a specific organism that occurs after an individual has been infected with the organism, or that is conferred from a vaccine
Airborne transmission
mode of transmitting infection by dust containing spores or droplet nuclei, which are particles measuring 5 microns or smaller that contain microorganisms and remain suspended in the air for long periods of time
Antibodies
an immunoglobulin produced by lymphocytes in response to bacteria, viruses, or other antigenic substances
Direct contact
means of disease transmission in which infectious organisms are transferred to a susceptible host by the touch of an infected individual
Disinfection
the destruction of pathogens by using chemical materials
Droplet contamination
contamination that occurs when an infectious individual coughs, sneezes, speaks or sings in the vicinity of a susceptible host
Endospore
a form assumed by a certain bacteria in which they resist drying and can live for long periods without warmth, moisture, or nutrients
Fomite
nonliving material such as bed linen that may transmit microorganisms
Healthcare-Associated infection
a hospital-acquired infection, also called nosocomial infection, defined as those that occur more than 48 hours after being admitted to the hospital
Natural resistance
the natural ability of an organism to remain unaffected by infectious disease
Nosocomial infection
hospital-acquired disease
Normal Flora
microorganisms within the human body that do not usually cause disease and may be beneficial
Pathogen
Any microorganism capable of producing disease
Pathogenic organisms
spore
a reproductive unit of some genera of fungi or protozoa. Also, a common term for endospore, a form assumed by some bacteria that is resistant to heat, drying, and chemicals
Vector
an animal in whose body a pathogen multiplies or develops before becoming infective to a new host
Vehicle
any substance, such as food or water, that can serve as a mode of transmission for infectious agents
Virulence factors
characteristics of certain microorganisms that cause them to be pathogenic and distinguish them from normal flora. These factors enable bacteria to destroy or damage host cells and resist destruction by the host’s cellular defenses
