immunology key words Flashcards
pathogen
an organism that causes damage to its
host
infectious
a disease that may be passed or transmitted from one individual to another
carrier
a person who shows no symptoms when infected by a disease organism but can pass the disease onto another individual
disease reservoir
where a pathogen is normally found;
this may be in humans or another animal and may be a
source of infection.
endemic
a disease which is always present at low levels in an area
epidemic
where there is a significant increase in the usual number of cases of a disease, often associated with a rapid spread.
pandemic
an epidemic occurring over a very wide area, crossing international boundaries and usually affecting a large number of people
vaccine
uses a non-pathogenic from to stimulate an immune system response which leads to protection against subsequent
infection.
antibiotics
substances produced by microorganisms which affect the growth of other microorganisms.
antibiotic resistance
where a microorganism, which should be affected by an antibiotic, is no longer susceptible to it.
vector
a living organism which transfers a disease from one individual to another.
toxin
a chemical produced by an organism which causes damage to its host
antigenic types
different pathogenic organisms with the same or very similar antigens on the surface. Would need different antibodies to treat.
