Infected Flashcards
Why do we stain cultures and what colours are they?
To classify the infection and allow us to see it’s microscopic appearance.
Gram positive: primary stain (purple)
Gram negative: secondary stain (red)
What is epidemiology?
The study of factors, events and circumstances that influence the transmission of infections diseases among humans. The aim is to devise strategies that interrupt or eliminate the spread of an infectious agent.
Name and explain all four portals of entry.
Penetration - disruption of intact skin
Direct contact - from infected tissue to exposed intact
Ingestion - entry via oral cavity and GIT of contaminated food or water
Inhalation - via the respiratory tract
Name and explain the five sources.
Endogenous - host's micro flora Exogenous - external environment Nosocomial - infection while in hospital Community acquired - self explanatory Zoonoses - infectious diseases from animals to humans (e.g. cat scratches, rabies, toxoplasmosis)
What is symptomatology?
Collections of signs and symptoms expressed by the host during the disease course. this can be documented by a clinical picture/disease course. It can be specific or non-specific, and obvious or covert.
Name and explain the entire disease course.
Incubation period
- pathogen actively replicating but no symptoms
Prodromal stage
- initial appearance of S&S, may be vague
Acute
- maximum impact of the pathogen, toxic by-products, immune response active
Convalescent stage
- containment of infection, elimination of pathogen, repair of damaged tissue, resolution of symptoms
Resolution stage
- total elimination of pathogen, no residual symptoms
Explain chronic disease course.
- course may be protracted and irregular
- symptoms may be continuous or irregular
Explain subclinical or subacute infection course.
- may go from infection to resolution without clinical symptoms
Explain what fulminant is.
- an abrupt onset of symptoms with little or no prodromal phase
