Conquest of Infectious Diseases Lecture

Flashcards covering key concepts related to infectious diseases, their transmission, prevention, and the public health responses required to manage them.

Communicable Disease

A disease that can be transmitted from one person to another.

Koch's Postulates

A set of criteria for determining the causative agent of an infectious disease.

Epidemiologic Transition

The phase of development marked by a transition from infectious diseases to chronic diseases due to increased life span.

Chain of Infection

The process by which an infectious disease is transmitted from a source to a host.

Susceptible Host

An individual who is at risk of developing an infection from a disease.

Eradication

The complete and permanent reduction to zero of the worldwide incidence of an infectious disease.

Vaccine

A substance that stimulates the body's immune response to protect against specific diseases.

Antibiotic Resistance

The ability of bacteria to withstand the effects of an antibiotic.

Prions

Infectious agents composed of protein that can cause neurodegenerative diseases.

Chronic Disease

A condition lasting one year or more that requires ongoing medical attention or limits activities.

Cardiovascular Disease

A group of disorders that affect the heart and blood vessels, including heart disease and stroke.

Hypertension

Abnormally high blood pressure, a significant risk factor for cardiovascular disease.

Metabolic Abnormalities

Disruptions in normal metabolic processes that can lead to health issues, often screened in newborns.

Genetic Screening

Testing individuals for specific genetic conditions or mutations that may affect their health.

Herd Immunity

The protection of a population from infectious disease through vaccination or natural immunity.