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Microbiology
44 flashcards
Bacterial pathogens are disease-causing bacteria that can invade the body and cause infections.
Streptococcus pneumoniae is a bacterial pathogen that causes pneumonia, meningitis, and other respiratory infections.
Viral pathogens are viruses that can infect and replicate within the cells of living hosts, causing diseases.
Influenza virus is a viral pathogen that causes influenza or 'the flu'.
Fungal pathogens are fungi that can cause infections in humans, animals, and plants.
Candida albicans is a fungal pathogen that causes candidiasis, a yeast infection.
Parasitic pathogens are organisms that live on or within another organism, deriving nutrients from the host.
Plasmodium falciparum is a parasitic pathogen that causes malaria.
Bacterial pathogens can cause diseases by releasing toxins, invading and damaging host cells, or triggering harmful immune responses.
Viral pathogens cause diseases by hijacking the host cell's machinery to replicate, often leading to cell damage or death.
Fungal pathogens can cause diseases by releasing toxins, invading tissues, or triggering allergic reactions.
Parasitic pathogens can cause diseases by robbing the host of nutrients, damaging tissues, or triggering immune responses.
Common routes of transmission for bacterial pathogens include direct contact, contaminated food or water, and respiratory droplets.
Viral pathogens can be transmitted through respiratory droplets, bodily fluids, contaminated surfaces, or vectors like mosquitoes.
Fungal pathogens can be transmitted through inhalation of spores, direct contact with infected individuals or surfaces, or through ingestion of contaminated food.
Parasitic pathogens can be transmitted through contaminated food or water, insect vectors like mosquitoes or ticks, or direct contact with infected individuals or animals.
Examples of bacterial diseases include tuberculosis, cholera, syphilis, and Lyme disease.
Some examples of viral diseases are HIV/AIDS, COVID-19, influenza, and measles.
Examples of fungal diseases include athlete's foot, ringworm, and Valley fever.
Examples of parasitic diseases include malaria, giardiasis, toxoplasmosis, and roundworm infections.
Antibiotics are drugs that inhibit the growth or kill bacteria. They work by targeting specific bacterial structures or processes that are essential for survival.
Viral pathogens are typically treated with antiviral drugs that target specific stages of the viral life cycle, or with vaccines to prevent infection.
Treatments for fungal infections include antifungal medications, topical creams or ointments, and sometimes surgery for severe cases.
Parasitic infections are often treated with antiparasitic drugs that target the specific parasite, or with supportive care to manage symptoms.
Antibiotic resistance occurs when bacteria develop mechanisms to survive exposure to antibiotics. It is a major public health concern as it makes bacterial infections more difficult to treat.
The spread of pathogens can be prevented through proper hygiene, sanitation, vaccination, and isolation of infected individuals.
The immune system plays a crucial role in recognizing and fighting pathogens through various mechanisms, including producing antibodies, activating immune cells, and initiating inflammatory responses.
Some emerging or re-emerging pathogens of concern include SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19), Zika virus, Ebola virus, and multidrug-resistant bacteria like MRSA.
Zoonotic pathogens are infectious agents that can be transmitted from animals to humans, posing a significant risk to human health. Examples include avian influenza viruses and the bacteria that cause Lyme disease.
A pathogen is a microorganism that can cause disease in a host organism, while a non-pathogenic microorganism does not typically cause harm or disease.
Nosocomial infections, also known as healthcare-associated infections, are infections acquired in healthcare settings. They can lead to significant complications and are a major concern for patient safety.
Epidemiology is the study of the distribution and determinants of diseases in populations. It is crucial for understanding disease patterns, risk factors, and implementing effective control measures.
Bacterial infections are caused by bacteria, while viral infections are caused by viruses. They often have different symptoms, transmission routes, and treatment approaches.
Methods used for the diagnosis of infectious diseases include laboratory tests (e.g., culture, microscopy, molecular tests), imaging techniques, and physical examinations.
Vaccines are a crucial tool in preventing infectious diseases. They work by stimulating the immune system to produce antibodies and memory cells that can recognize and neutralize specific pathogens.
A commensal microorganism lives in a host organism without causing harm, while a pathogenic microorganism can cause disease in the host.
Biofilms are communities of bacteria that adhere to surfaces and are encased in a protective matrix. They can increase antibiotic resistance and make infections more difficult to treat.
Opportunistic pathogens are microorganisms that can cause infections in individuals with weakened immune systems or compromised host defenses, often in healthcare settings.
Antimicrobial stewardship programs aim to promote the appropriate use of antibiotics to prevent the development and spread of antibiotic resistance.
An acute infectious disease has a rapid onset and a relatively short duration, while a chronic infectious disease persists for an extended period, often with recurring episodes or long-term effects.
Emerging infectious diseases are new or previously unknown diseases that pose a significant threat to public health. They can arise from various factors, including changes in human behavior, climate, and global travel.
Vector control involves strategies to reduce or eliminate the organisms (e.g., mosquitoes, ticks) that transmit pathogens, thereby preventing the spread of vector-borne diseases.
A primary pathogen can cause disease in healthy individuals, while an opportunistic pathogen typically causes infections in individuals with weakened immune systems or other underlying conditions.
Antimicrobial resistance in healthcare settings can lead to more severe and difficult-to-treat infections, increased healthcare costs, and higher mortality rates.