VOCABULARY Flashcards
Antibodies
proteins produced by the immune system that bind to unwanted substances in the body to eliminate them
Antiseptics
Substances that inhibit the growth of microorganisms on living tissue
Autoimmune
disease in which the body produces antibodies that attack its own tissues and cells, leading to the deterioration of structure and/or function.
candidiasis
An infection caused by a yeast
communicable
Diseases spread from person to person either by direct contact or nondirect contact
defecation
The act of voiding waste from the bowels through the anus
degenerative
An illness resulting from the deterioration of tissues and organs.
disinfectant
Any chemical agent used on nonliving objects to destroy or inhibit the growth of harmful organisms
fatigue
Extreme tiredness.
germicides
Agents that destroy pathogenic organisms.
hereditary
Passed from parents to offspring through the genes.
impervious
Not permitting penetration.
interferon
A protein formed when a cell is exposed to a virus; the protein blocks viral action on the cell and protects against viral invasion.
malaise
A condition of general bodily weakness or discomfort.
nosocomial
Infections acquired in a healthcare setting.
parenteral
Taken into the body by any route other than the digestive tract
pathogenic
Capable of producing disease.
pyemia
The presence of pus-forming organisms in the blood.
relapse
The recurrence of the symptoms of a disease after apparent recovery.
remission
The partial or complete disappearance of the clinical and subjective characteristics of a chronic or malignant disease.
spore
A thick-walled, dormant form of bacteria that is very resistant to disinfection measures.
Standard Precautions
A set of infection control practices used to prevent the transmission of diseases that can be acquired by contact with blood, body fluids, nonintact skin, and mucous membranes.
sterile
Free of all microorganisms, pathogenic and nonpathogenic.
tinea
Any fungal skin disease that results in scaling, itching, and inflammation
transmission
The passage or spread of disease.
vectors
Animals or insects
