Final Exam

Neisseria meningitidis

A bacterium that causes meningitis and is characterized by its pathogenesis, virulence factors, and means of transmission.

Cryptococcus neoformans

A fungal pathogen transmitted predominantly through inhalation of spores, associated with meningitis.

Meningitis

An inflammatory condition of the protective membranes covering the brain and spinal cord, most commonly caused by bacterial infections.

Encephalitis

An inflammation of the brain, often caused by viral infections.

Meningoencephalitis

A combination of meningitis and encephalitis resulting in inflammation of both the meninges and brain.

Naegleria fowleri

A free-living amoeba that causes a rare and fatal brain infection; transmitted through contaminated water.

Rabies

A viral infection that affects the central nervous system, with prevention through vaccination.

Tetanus vs Botulism

Both are toxin-related diseases, but tetanus is caused by Clostridium tetani, while botulism is caused by Clostridium botulinum; they have different modes of transmission and symptoms.

Salmonella

A genus of bacteria that causes gastrointestinal infections characterized by diarrhea and fever.

Shiga-toxin producing E. coli (STEC)

A pathogenic strain of E. coli that produces a potent toxin and can cause severe foodborne illness.

Campylobacter

A bacteria commonly causing foodborne gastroenteritis, often found in undercooked poultry.

Norovirus

A highly contagious virus that causes gastroenteritis; often associated with outbreaks on cruise ships.

Food poisoning

An illness caused by consuming contaminated food, characterized by nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea.

Staphylococcus aureus

A bacterium that can cause food poisoning through the production of enterotoxins.

Chronic diarrhea

A condition defined by prolonged loose stools, often indicative of underlying gastrointestinal issues.

Dental caries

Tooth decay caused by the action of bacteria metabolizing sugars.

Helminthic infections

Parasitic infections caused by helminths (worms), characterized by specific diagnosis and common traits.

Biochemical tests

Laboratory methods used for the identification of microbes based on metabolic activities.

Serology

A branch of immunology that studies the serum and other bodily fluids for antibodies or antigens.

Nucleic acid amplification tests

Techniques used to amplify DNA or RNA for better identification of pathogens.

Mass spectrometry

A diagnostic tool that identifies molecules by measuring their mass-to-charge ratio.

COVID-19

A respiratory disease caused by the SARS-CoV-2 virus, with distinct clinical features and transmission routes.

Septicemia

A serious bloodstream infection caused by bacteria, characterized by systemic inflammation.

Endocarditis

An infection of the inner lining of the heart, classified into acute and subacute forms based on severity.

Hemorrhagic fever diseases

A group of illnesses caused by several different viral infections characterized by fever and bleeding.

Nonhemorrhagic fever diseases

Fever illnesses that do not present with bleeding, caused by various bacterial or viral agents.

HIV

A virus that attacks the immune system and causes AIDS; has a complex life cycle involving integration into host cells.

Malaria

A parasitic disease caused by Plasmodium spp., transmitted by mosquito bites; prevention includes antimalarial drugs and mosquito control.

Lyme disease

An infectious disease caused by Borrelia burgdorferi, transmitted through tick bites, characterized by a distinctive rash.

Infectious mononucleosis

A viral infection primarily caused by Epstein-Barr virus (EBV), leading to prolonged fatigue and other health issues.

UTI

Urinary tract infection characterized by symptoms and varying causative organisms; includes cystitis and pyelonephritis.

Gonorrhea

A sexually transmitted infection caused by Neisseria gonorrhoeae, with specific pathogenesis and virulence factors.

Chlamydia

A common sexually transmitted infection caused by Chlamydia trachomatis, diagnosed based on cytologic and serologic tests.

Syphilis

A sexually transmitted infection caused by Treponema pallidum, characterized by distinct stages.

Genital herpes

A sexually transmitted infection caused by herpes simplex virus, linked to recurrent outbreaks.

HPV

The human papillomavirus, known for its role in genital warts and cervical cancer.

HPV vaccine

A vaccine recommended for preventing HPV infections; it has three crucial benefits related to cancer prevention.

MRSA skin and soft tissue infection

An infection caused by methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus, requiring specific transmission precautions.

Measles

A highly contagious viral disease with potential complications; prevention through vaccination is key.

Rubella

A viral infection with mild symptoms; less severe than measles but still poses risks during pregnancy.

Impetigo

A contagious skin infection caused by bacteria, primarily affecting children with characteristic symptoms.

Chicken pox

A viral infection characterized by an itchy rash; shingles can occur later as a reactivation of the varicella virus.

Smallpox

A serious infectious disease eradicated through vaccination, characterized by distinctive pustules.

Ringworm

A fungal skin infection marked by ring-shaped rashes; transmitted through direct contact.

Conjunctivitis

An inflammation of the conjunctiva with various causative agents, requiring specific diagnoses and treatments.

Herd immunity

Protection against infectious diseases achieved when a sufficient proportion of a population is immune, often through vaccination.

Selective toxicity

A property of antimicrobial agents that allows them to target pathogens without harming the host.

Five major antimicrobial targets

The critical points in bacteria that are affected by antibiotics to inhibit growth or kill the organism.

Penicillinases

Enzymes produced by certain bacteria that inactivate penicillin, complicating treatment.

Two ways microbes acquire resistance

Genetic mutations and horizontal gene transfer are key mechanisms through which bacteria develop resistance.

Five resistance mechanisms

Strategies bacteria employ, such as efflux pumps and target alteration, to evade antimicrobial action.

Drug toxicity vs allergic reactions

Distinguishes harmful side effects of drugs from immune-mediated responses that could occur with certain treatments.