Session 3: Microbiology Flashcards
What is microbiology? (and what are some examples?)
The study of microorganisms usually less than 1mm in diameter which requires some form of magnification (microscope) to be seen clearly. Examples: Viruses, Bacteria, Fungi, Algae, Protozoa
What are Koch’s four Postulates of Disease Transmission?
The causative (etiological) agent must be present in all affected organisms but absent in healthy individuals. The agent must be capable of being isolated and cultured in pure form. When the cultured agent is introduced to a healthy organism, the same disease must occur. The same causative agent must be isolated again from the affected host
What is epidemiology?
The study of the distribution and determinants (reasons for infection) of health-related states or events (including disease) in specified populations, and the application of this study to the control of diseases and other health problems.
What is Germ Theory of Disease?
States that microscopic particles cause certain diseases (proposed by Louis Pasteur, supported by Koch’s postulates). There are different types of disease causing agents referred to as pathogens.
What is a causative agent?
The microorganism causing disease.
What are portals of entry (in relation to transmission of disease)?
Respiratory tract (mouth and nose), Gastrointestinal tract (mouth - food), Urinogenital openings (sexually transmitted infections, etc.), breaking the skin surface (cut, abrasion, wound), placenta, and conjunctiva/eyes.
What are modes of transmission of disease?
Contact transmission (contact with other infected organisms - this includes droplet transmission, indirect contact, and direct contact transmission). Droplet transmission (mucus droplets in the air via coughing, sneezing, laughing, talking), Indirect contact transmission (touching objects that have been in contact with the source of infection), direct contact transmission (physical contact between a source and it’s potential host). Vehicle transmission (when agents of disease are transmitted through a medium such as water, food, blood, air, etc.). And finally animal vector transmission (pathogens are transmitted via other animals such as mosquitoes, ticks, rodents, flies, etc.)
