The Nature of Infectious Diseases Flashcards
What are the four major types of infectious agents?
Bacteria, Viruses, Fungi, and Parasites.
What structural components do bacteria have?
Cell membrane, cell wall, capsule (some), DNA, and ribosomes.
How do Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria differ?
Gram-positive bacteria have a thick peptidoglycan layer; Gram-negative bacteria have a thin layer and an outer membrane.
What are some mechanisms bacteria use to resist antibiotics?
Blocking protein production, blocking DNA replication, pumping out antibiotics, digesting antibiotics, mutating targets, sharing resistant genes.
What are the major structural components of viruses?
Genetic material (DNA or RNA), capsid (protein shell), surface proteins, envelope (in some viruses).
How can viruses be classified?
Based on genetic material (DNA vs RNA), capsid shape, presence of an envelope, and mode of transmission.
What are the differences between yeast and mold?
Yeast is unicellular, while mold is multicellular with hyphae, mycelium, and sporangium.
What are the three types of parasites?
Protozoa, helminths, and ectoparasites.
How does Giardia lamblia cause infection?
It is a protozoan that infects the intestines and causes giardiasis.
What are some key ways to prevent parasitic infections?
Wash fruits and vegetables, drink treated water, cook meat properly, maintain good hygiene, keep living spaces clean, and deworm pets regularly.
What is the primary difference between a virus and a bacterium?
Bacteria are living cells that can reproduce on their own; viruses require a host cell to replicate.
What are the three main shapes of bacteria?
Bacilli (rod-shaped), cocci (spherical), and spirilla (spiral-shaped).
What is antibiotic resistance?
The ability of bacteria to survive and grow despite the presence of antibiotics.
Why should antibiotics be taken for the full prescribed course?
To ensure all bacteria are killed and to prevent the development of antibiotic resistance.
What are examples of respiratory viruses?
Influenza, COVID-19, and the common cold.
How is HIV transmitted?
Primarily through blood, sexual contact, and from mother to child during childbirth or breastfeeding.
What is a vector-borne virus?
A virus that is transmitted by insects or other animals, such as Zika or dengue fever.
What are the key differences between enveloped and naked viruses?
Enveloped viruses have an outer lipid layer, while naked viruses lack this envelope.
What is the function of spike proteins on viruses?
They help the virus attach to and enter host cells.
What are examples of fungal infections?
Athlete’s foot, ringworm, and candidiasis.
What is mycelium?
A network of fungal threads (hyphae) that make up the body of a mold.
What are some common protozoan infections?
Malaria, giardiasis, and toxoplasmosis.
How do helminths infect humans?
Through ingestion of contaminated food or water, direct skin penetration, or insect bites.
What are ectoparasites?
Parasites that live on the skin or hair, such as lice and ticks.
What role do mosquitoes play in disease transmission?
They act as vectors for diseases like malaria, dengue, and Zika virus.
What are the best hygiene practices to prevent infections?
Handwashing, avoiding sharing personal items, and keeping living areas clean.
Why is vaccination important?
It helps build immunity and prevents the spread of infectious diseases.
What are the dangers of using leftover antibiotics?
It can contribute to antibiotic resistance and may not be effective for the current infection.
How does cooking food properly prevent infections?
It kills bacteria, parasites, and viruses that may be present in raw food.
Why should fruits and vegetables be washed before eating?
To remove bacteria, parasites, and pesticide residues.
What are common waterborne diseases?
Cholera, giardiasis, and dysentery.
What are zoonotic diseases?
Diseases that can be transmitted from animals to humans, such as rabies and salmonella.
How can keeping pets clean help prevent infections?
Regular deworming and hygiene reduce the risk of parasitic infections.
What is herd immunity?
When a large portion of a population becomes immune to a disease, reducing its spread.
