Unit 1.1

Bacteria

• Microscopic, single-celled prokaryotic organisms that reproduce by asexually (no mate - they double in size and split in two).

Biofilm

• A structured community of microorganisms enclosed in a self-produced sticky matrix that adheres to surfaces. Biofilms protect microbes from environmental threats and antibiotics.

Binomial Nomenclature

• The scientific naming system for organisms using two names: the genus (first letter capitalized) followed by the species (all lowercase), both italicized. Example: Neisseria meningitidis.

Differential Diagnosis

• The process of comparing similar symptoms of different conditions to determine the most likely cause of a patient’s illness.

Fungi

• Eukaryotic microorganisms, including yeasts, molds, and spores that can cause diseases known as mycoses.

Helminth

• Are animals (yes like us) that are often included within the study of microbiology because many species of these worms are identified by their microscopic eggs and larvae

Human Microbiome

• The total community of microbes (bacteria, fungi, viruses, etc.) living in and on the human body. It plays a crucial role in digestion, immunity, and disease prevention.

Medical Microbiologist

• A healthcare professional who studies microorganisms to diagnose infections and guide treatment decisions.

Meningitis

• Inflammation of the meninges, the protective membranes around the brain and spinal cord. Symptoms often include high fever, stiff neck, headache, and confusion. It can be caused by bacteria, viruses, fungi, protozoa, or prions. Bacterial meningitis is the most deadly but there is an effective vaccine.

Prion

• An acellular infectious protein that causes extremely rare, chronic, degenerative brain diseases such as Creutzfeldt-Jakob Disease (CJD) (in the media, madcow).

Protist

• A diverse group of unicellular, eukaryotic organism that includes important pathogens and parasites.

Resident Microbes

• Microorganisms that often permanently inhabit the human body

Sepsis

• A life-threatening, systemic response to infection that can lead to tissue damage, organ failure, and death. Often includes fever, rapid heart rate, and confusion.

Strain

• A genetic subtype of a microorganism. Different strains of the same species can have different traits, including levels of virulence.

Transient Microbes

• Microorganisms that may temporarily reside on or in the human body, often acquired through food, surfaces, or contact with others. They can be harmless, beneficial, or harmful.

Virus

• A virus is a microscopic infectious agent that is acellular (not made of cells).