infection control vocab Flashcards
prokaryote
A type of cell that does not have a nucleus or other membrane-bound organelles
Example: Bacteria are prokaryotes.
eukaryote
A type of cell that has a nucleus and other membrane-bound organelles
Example: Human cells are eukaryotes.
bacteria
Single-celled microorganisms that can be beneficial or harmful
Example: E. coli is a type of bacteria.
aerobe
An organism that requires oxygen to survive
Example: Humans are aerobes.
anaerobe
An organism that does not require oxygen to survive
Example: Clostridium botulinum is an anaerobe.
morphology
The study of the form and structure of organisms
Example: Morphology can help identify different types of bacteria.
virus
A microscopic infectious agent that can replicate only inside the living cells of organisms
Example: Influenza is caused by a virus.
fungi
A group of organisms that includes yeasts, molds, and mushrooms
Example: Candida albicans is a type of fungi.
protozoa
Single-celled organisms that are classified as part of the protist kingdom
Example: Amoeba is a type of protozoa.
parasite
An organism that lives on or in another organism (the host) and benefits by deriving nutrients at the host’s expense
Example: Malaria is caused by a parasite.
pathogen
A microorganism that can cause disease
Example: Salmonella is a pathogen.
OSHA
Occupational Safety and Health Administration, a federal agency that oversees workplace safety
Example: OSHA sets regulations to protect workers from hazards.
rickettsiae
A type of bacteria that are obligate intracellular parasites
Example: Rocky Mountain spotted fever is caused by rickettsiae.
susceptible
Likely to be affected by a particular condition or pathogen
Example: Infants are more susceptible to infections.
vector
An organism that transmits pathogens from one host to another
Example: Mosquitoes can be vectors for diseases like malaria.
fomite
An object or material that is likely to carry infection
Example: Doorknobs can act as fomites.
virulence
The ability of a pathogen to cause severe disease
Example: The virulence of the flu virus can vary each season.
microorganism
A microscopic organism, such as bacteria, viruses, and fungi
Example: Microorganisms can be found everywhere in the environment.
asepsis
The absence of bacteria, viruses, and other microorganisms
Example: Surgical asepsis is essential in operating rooms.
communicable
Capable of being transmitted from one person to another
Example: Measles is a highly communicable disease.
flora
The microorganisms that normally inhabit a particular environment
Example: Gut flora plays a role in digestion.
exudate
Fluid that leaks out of blood vessels into nearby tissues due to inflammation or injury
Example: Pus is a type of exudate.
standard precautions
Infection control practices to prevent the transmission of pathogens in healthcare settings
Example: Wearing gloves is part of standard precautions.
CLIA
Clinical Laboratory Improvement Amendments, federal regulations that establish quality standards for laboratory testing
Example: CLIA ensures accuracy and reliability of lab results.
biohazard
A biological substance that poses a threat to human health or the environment
Example: Blood is considered a biohazard.
oral-fecal route
The transmission of pathogens through contaminated food, water, or objects that have been in contact with feces
Example: Hepatitis A can spread through the oral-fecal route.
incubation period
The time between exposure to a pathogen and the onset of symptoms
Example: The incubation period for the flu is typically 1-4 days.
airborne transmission
The spread of pathogens through the air, usually through respiratory droplets
Example: Tuberculosis can be transmitted through airborne particles.
droplet transmission
The spread of pathogens through respiratory droplets produced when an infected person coughs or sneezes
Example: Influenza can be transmitted through droplet transmission.
blood-borne
Transmitted through contact with infected blood or other body fluids
Example: HIV is a blood-borne pathogen.
PPE
Personal Protective Equipment, such as gloves, masks, and gowns, used to protect against exposure to pathogens
Example: Healthcare workers wear PPE when caring for patients with infectious diseases.
shelf life
The length of time a product can be stored before it is no longer usable or effective
Example: Medications have an expiration date that indicates their shelf life.
sanitization
The process of reducing the number of microorganisms on surfaces to a safe level
Example: Sanitization of kitchen countertops helps prevent foodborne illnesses.
disinfection
The process of killing or inactivating disease-causing microorganisms on surfaces
Example: Disinfection of medical instruments is crucial to prevent infections.
sterilization
The complete destruction of all microorganisms, including spores
Example: Surgical equipment is sterilized before use in operating rooms.
spores
Resistant, dormant forms of bacteria that can survive harsh conditions
Example: Clostridium difficile produces spores that can be difficult to eradicate.
