intro to Chemotherapeutics Drugs for Various Infections

These flashcards cover key terms related to the use of chemotherapeutics drugs for various infections, including definitions and essential concepts.

bactericidal

A substance that causes the death of bacteria.

bacteriostatic

A substance that prevents or slows the replication of bacteria.

culture

Sample of bacteria grown in a laboratory to determine the species causing an infection.

prophylaxis

Treatment to prevent an infection before it occurs.

resistance

The ability of pathogens to adapt to an anti-infective, producing cells that are not affected by the drug.

selective toxicity

The ability to affect specific proteins or enzyme systems of the infecting organism without harming human cells.

sensitivity testing

Evaluation of pathogens in a culture to determine effective anti-infectives.

spectrum

Range of bacteria against which an antibiotic is effective.

superinfection

Infections occurring when normal flora are destroyed, allowing opportunistic pathogens to invade.

aerobic

Bacteria that depend on oxygen for survival.

anaerobic

Bacteria that survive without oxygen.

antibiotic

Chemical that inhibits growth or kills specific bacteria.

gram-negative

Bacteria with a thin peptidoglycan layer, less likely to retain stain.

gram-positive

Bacteria with thick peptidoglycan layers that retain stain.

Gram staining

Process used to differentiate types of bacteria based on their cell wall composition.

synergistic

Drugs that work together to increase effectiveness.

pathogen

Microbes that cause disease.

virulence

Ability of a microorganism to cause disease.

combination therapy

Use of more than one medication to treat infections.

superinfection

Secondary infection during the treatment of a primary infection.

adverse reaction

Negative effects that can occur as a result of anti-infective medications.