Microbiology Flashcards
Aerobes
Bacteria that require oxygen to grow.
Anaerobes
Bacteria that grow in the absence of oxygen and are destroyed by oxygen.
Bacilli
Rod-shaped bacteria that cause tuberculosis and other diseases.
Candida
A yeast commonly found in the oral cavity, gastrointestinal tract, female genital tract, and sometimes the skin.
Chancre
Painless, ulcerating sore.
Cocci
Spherical bacterial cells that reproduce by dividing into two.
Creutzfeldt-Jakob Disease
Rare chronic brain disease. Usually appears during ages 40-60 years.
Endospores
A resistant and dormant structure formed inside of some bacteria that can withstand adverse conditions.
Facultative Anaerobes
Organisms that can grow with or without oxygen.
Fungi
Plants that lack chlorophyll (a green pigment). Examples: mushrooms, yeasts, molds.
Gram Negative
Class of bacteria that DO NOT hold a dye stain under a microscope.
Gram Positive
Class of bacteria that hold a dye stain and appear dark purple under a microscope.
Gram Variable
Class of bacteria that are not consistently stained.
Gram’s Stain
A 4-step staining process developed by Hans Christian Gram and used to seperate bacteria into groups.
H1N1
A form of the Swine Flu virus.
Herpesvirus
A virus that causes infections in humans. Example: herpes, chicken pox, shingles, mononucleosis, measles, etc.
Latent
Dormant.
Microbiology
The study of microorganisms.
Methicillin-resistant Staphylococus
A type of staph infection that is resistant to several common antibiotics.
Nonpathogenic
Pertaining to microorganisms that do not produce disease.
Oral Candidiasis
Candida yeast infection in the mouth.
Pandemic
A condition that affects the people of the country or world.
Pathogens
Disease producing microorganisms.
Percutaneous
Through the skin. Examples: Cut, bite, needle-stick, etc.
Petri Plate
Small and flat glass dish for the culture of microorganisms.
Prions
Infectious particles of proteins that lack nucleic acids (DNA).
Protozoa
Single-felled microscopic animals without a rigid cell wall.
Provirus
Virus that is hidden during the latency period.
Spirochete
Spiral-shaped bacteria.
Staphylococci
Cocci that form irregular groups or clusters.
Streptococci
Cocci that form irregular groups or clusters.
Tyndallization
Intermittent or fractional sterilization
Virulent
Capable of causing serious disease.
Viruses
Ultra microscopic infectious agents that contain DNA or RNA.