Chapter 9 Principles of Infectious Disease & Epidemiology

These flashcards cover key terms and definitions related to the principles of infectious disease and epidemiology.

Epidemiology

The study of how diseases affect the health and illness of populations.

Infectious Disease

A disease caused by the invasion of a host's tissues by disease-causing agents, their multiplication, and the reaction of host tissues to these infectious agents.

Transmission

The passing of a communicable disease from an infected individual to another individual via various routes.

Reservoir

A place where an infectious agent usually lives and multiplies, often serving as a source of infection.

Pathogen

An organism, such as a virus or bacterium, that causes disease.

Incubation Period

The time period between exposure to an infection and the appearance of the first symptoms.

Endemic

A disease or condition regularly found among particular people or in a certain area.

Epidemic

An outbreak of a disease that occurs over a wide geographic area and affects a significant proportion of a population.

Pandemic

An epidemic that has spread over multiple countries or continents, affecting a large number of people.

Immunization

The process by which an individual's immune system becomes fortified against an agent.