MICROBIOLOGY REVIEW QUIZ 9

Exotoxin

A protein released by bacteria during exponential growth, acting at sites other than the infection location, and is more potent and specific than endotoxins.

Endotoxin

Lipopolysaccharides found in the cell wall of gram-negative bacteria, released during lysis, and is less potent and specific than exotoxins.

Red Blood Cells (RBC)

Approximately 4–6 million cells per cubic millimeter, responsible for carrying oxygen.

White Blood Cells (WBC)

Approximately 5000-10000 cells per cubic millimeter, playing a crucial role in immune response.

Platelets

150,000-450,000 cells per cubic millimeter, essential for blood clotting.

Granulocyte

A type of white blood cell that includes neutrophils, eosinophils, and basophils.

Neutrophil

The most abundant white blood cell, acting as the first line of defense and a major phagocyte.

Eosinophil

A white blood cell that increases in number during hypersensitivity reactions.

Basophil

The least common type of white blood cell containing histamine and heparin.

Agranulocyte

A type of white blood cell that includes lymphocytes and monocytes.

B lymphocytes

Cells that produce antibodies and transform into plasma and memory cells.

T lymphocytes

Cells that include Helper T cells, Cytotoxic T cells, and Suppressor T cells, playing vital roles in immune response.

Monocytes

Large circulating phagocytes that exit blood vessels during inflammation.

Antibody

A protein produced by B-lymphocytes that bind to specific antigens.

IgG

The major circulating antibody capable of crossing the placenta.

IgA

Antibody found in secretions such as tears and saliva, providing local protection.

IgM

The largest immunoglobulin that serves as the first antibody produced during an immune response.

IgD

An antibody present on B cell surfaces, involved in B cell activation.

IgE

An antibody involved in allergic reactions.

Lymphatic organs

Organs that include lymph nodes, tonsils, spleen, and thymus, playing roles in immune function.

Thymus gland

An organ located in the mediastinum that produces thymosins, essential for T lymphocyte maturation.

Autograft

A transplant from one site of an individual to another site on the same individual.

Isograft

Tissues or organs transplanted between identical twins.

Allograft

Transplantation of tissues or organs between genetically different individuals.

Xenograft

Transplantation of tissues or organs between different species.

Iatrogenic HAIs

Infections resulting from medical procedures such as catheter use or surgery.

Portal of entry

Routes through which pathogens enter the body, including skin, respiratory tract, and gastrointestinal tract.

Virulence

The degree of pathogenicity or disease-causing potential of a microbe.

Virulence factors

Characteristics that enhance a microbe's ability to cause disease, such as pili, capsules, toxins, enzymes, and flagella.

Local infection

An infection confined to a specific tissue.

Focal infection

An infection that spreads from a local point of infection to other tissues.

Systemic infection

An infection that spreads to multiple tissues and sites, often through the circulatory system.

Endemic disease

A disease frequently present in a specific population or area, like the common cold.

Sporadic disease

A disease that occurs occasionally and unpredictably, exemplified by typhoid fever in the U.S.

Epidemic disease

A disease that occurs at a higher than usual frequency in a specific area.

Pandemic disease

A worldwide epidemic that affects a large number of people.

First line of defense

Physical and chemical barriers that prevent pathogen entry, such as skin and mucous membranes.

Second line of defense

Non-specific immune responses including phagocytosis, inflammation, and interferon production.

Third line of defense

Specific or adaptive immune response triggered by antigens, involving cell-mediated and humoral immunity.

Live attenuated vaccine

A vaccine containing weakened pathogens, such as MMR and Varicella.

Killed vaccine

A vaccine made from inactivated pathogens, like Hepatitis A and rabies vaccines.

DNA vaccines

Vaccines that use recombinant DNA to encode an antigen.

Toxoids

Vaccines made from inactivated toxins, such as tetanus.