Infectious Diseases and Epidemiology Flashcards
Disorders caused by organisms such as bacteria, viruses, fungi, or parasites
Infectious disease
Cell damage
Disease
Subjective changes that are not seen by the observer
Symptoms
Objective changes that can be observed and measured
Signs
Group of signs and/or symptoms that may accompany a particular disease
Syndromes
The time between infection and
occurrence of the first symptoms or signs of disease.
Incubation Period
A short time of generalized, mild symptoms (such as malaise, muscle aches) that precedes illness. Not all infectious diseases have a this stage.
Prodromal Period
The most severe stage of an infectious disease. Signs and symptoms are most evident during this time. The patient’s immune system has not yet fully responded to the pathogens, and their presence is harming the body.
Period of Illness
The body gradually returns to normal as the patient’s immune response and/or medical treatment eliminates the pathogens. Fever and other signs and symptoms subside. Normally the immune response and its products peak during this stage.
Period of Decline
The patient recovers from the illness, and tissues and systems are repaired and returned to normal
body.
Period of Convalescence
A disease that develops rapidly but last only for a short time
Acute Disease
An intermediate between acute and chronic disease
Subacute Disease
A disease that develops more slowly but may continue for a long time period
Chronic Disease
A disease where the causative agent remains inactive for a moment but then becomes active
Latent Disease
A disease than can spread from one person to another
Communicable Disease
A disease that cannot spread to other hosts
Non-communicable Disease
Limited tp a small area of the body
Local Infection
Spreads through the body via blood or lymphatic system
Systemic Infection
An acute infection that causes the initial illness
Primary Infection
A disease caused by an opportunistic pathogen after the primary infection has weakened the body’s defenses
Secondary Infection
An infection that does not cause notable illness
Subclinical Infection
“Inapparent infection”
Chain of infection
Susceptible Host
Pathogen
Reservoir
Portal of exit
Mode of Transmission
Portal of Entry
Susceptible Host
Elderly
Infants
Immunocompromised
ANYONE
Pathogen
Bacteria
Virus
Fungi
Parasite
Reservoir
ANIMAL RESERVOIRS
HUMAN CARRIERS
NONLIVING RESERVOIRS
Portal of exit
a. In secretions (ear wax, tears, nasal secretions, saliva, sputum, and respiratory droplets);
b. In blood (via arthropod bites, hypodermic needles, or wounds);
c. In vaginal secretions or semen;
d. In milk produced by the mammary glands;
e. In excreted body wastes (feces and urine);