Special Topics Vocabulary

Flashcards covering vocabulary terms related to special topics, including immune disorders, skin infections, nervous system infections, and cardiovascular infections.

Acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS)

A disorder in which the individual’s immune system is progressively destroyed by the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV).

Retrovirus

An RNA-based virus that converts into viral DNA when within a host.

Reverse transcriptase inhibitors

Block the viral RNA from being converted into DNA.

Protease inhibitors

Block the assembly of HIV protein capsids.

Integrase inhibitors

Prevent viral DNA from being inserted into cellular DNA.

Skin lesion

A superficial growth of skin that does not match the surrounding skin.

Vesicle

A small fluid-filled lesion less than 1 cm in diameter.

Bulla

A fluid-filled lesion larger than 1 cm in diameter.

Macule

A flat, reddish lesion.

Papule

An elevated lesion.

Pustule

A papule that contains pus.

Impetigo

A highly contagious infection of the epidermis that causes the formation of pustules that rupture and form light-colored crusts.

Erysipelas

An infection of the dermis by Streptococcus pyogenes. The lesion has a distinct reddish and hardened appearance, with elevated edges.

Necrotizing fasciitis

An inflammation of connective tissue that leads to necrosis, or premature death of cells in living tissue.

Ringworm

A mycosis, or fungal infection (not caused by a parasitic worm).

Dermatomycosis (Tinea)

A mycosis of the skin.

Encephalitis

Infection of the brain itself.

Meningitis

Infection of the meninges of the central nervous system.

Leprosy

A progressive disease that damages nervous tissue through a cell-mediated immune response. Caused by Mycobacterium leprae and Mycobacterium lepromatosis.

Rheumatic fever

A cell-mediated attack against connective tissue in joints and the myocardium, sometimes caused by streptococcal infections.

Edema toxin

Causes swelling, and interferes with phagocytosis (exotoxin released by Bacillus anthracis).

Lethal toxin

Targets and kills macrophages (exotoxin released by Bacillus anthracis).

Anthrax

A disease caused by two A-B exotoxins released by the bacterium Bacillus anthracis.

Plague (Black Death)

A disease caused by the bacterium Yersinia pestis, usually transmitted through arthropod vectors (fleas).

Lyme Disease

A disease caused by the bacterium Borrelia burgdorferi, a spirochete, transmitted by deer ticks. Symptoms include a distinctive rash, heart disorders, arthritis, and neuropathy.

Viral hemorrhagic fevers

A group of diseases caused by four families of viruses: Arenaviridae, Bunyaviridae, Filoviridae, Flaviviridae. Symptoms include fever, excessive bleeding, and shock.

Cryptosporidiosis

Caused by protozoa Cryptosporidium hominis, leads to Persistent diarrhea

Toxoplasmosis

Caused by protozoa Toxoplasma gondii, leads to Encephalitis

Kaposi's sarcoma

Cancer of skin and blood vessels (caused by human herpesvirus 8)

Encephalitis

Infection of the brain itself.

Meningitis

Infection of the meninges of the central nervous system.

Leprosy

Progressive disease that damages nervous tissue through a cell-mediated immune response, caused by Mycobacterium leprae and Mycobacterium lepromatosis.

Rheumatic Fever

Cell-mediated attack against connective tissue in joints and the myocardium, resulting from streptococcal infections

Yersinia pestis

Causes Plague (Black Death)

Viral Hemorrhagic Fevers

Symptoms include: Fever, excessive bleeding (due to inability to clot), and shock