Infection Flashcards
pathogens
specific microorganisms that are capable of causing infectious disease
viruses, bacteria, fungi, and parasites
host
term used to describe the human or animal invaded and colonized by a pathogen
colonization
indicates that a pathogen is living with the host but does not mean an infections exists
example: strep carriers or MRSA in the nostrils
infection
describes the invasion, colonization, and multiplication of pathogens within the host; has been identified by diagnostic testing or evidence by sympotms
reservoir
a source of a pathogenic organism that may or may not be suffering from the disease caused by the pathogen
vector
a living being that can carry the pathogenic organism from the reservoir to the host.
Vectors are not infected they just transmit the pathogen, common vectors are mosquitos, ticks, and houseflies,
epidemiology
the study of disease distributions in human populations
incidence
number of new cases of an infection within a population
prevalence
number of active ongoing cases of an infection at any given time
endemic
the time when an incidence and prevalence are relatively stable
epidemic
an abrupt increase in the incidence of disease within a geographic region
pandemic
a term used to describe a global spread of a specifc disease
carriers
individuals who can carry certain bacteria and transmit infections
immunocompetence
refers to an individual’s ability to protect oneself from infectious agents because of a strong immune system
immunosuppression
indicates that there is a defective immune system that is placing a person at risk for infections
opportunistic infection
caused by a microorganisiom that flourishes becasue of a host’s weakened immune system
nosocomial infections
an infection that is acquired in a healthcare facility
example: a post-operative patient who gets a urinary tract infection from the foley catheter.
C-diff, CAUTI, VRE, MRSA, and pneumonia are common nosocomial infections
exudate
a collection of interstitial fluid formed in an inflamed area
examples: serous, fibrinous, purulent
serous
fluid with small amounts of protein and white blood cells
example: the fluid in a blister from a burn
fibrinous
thick sticky fluid with high cell and fibrin content
causes an increase risk for scarring
purulent
thick, yellow-green fluid with more leukocytes and cell debris as well as microorganisms
known as pus
abscess
localized pocket of purulent exudate in solid tissue
can be a hemorrhagic abscess if blood vessels have been damaged
