Infection Process and Pathogen Behavior

These flashcards cover key terms and concepts related to the process of infection, the behavior of pathogens, and how the immune system interacts with infectious agents.

Portal of Entry

The initial route through which a pathogen enters the host.

Adhesion

The process by which pathogens attach to host cells.

Fimbriae

Hair-like structures on bacteria that aid in attachment to host cells.

Virulence Factors

Traits that enable pathogens to establish themselves and cause disease.

Phagocytes

Cells in the immune system that engulf and destroy pathogens.

Leukocidins

Toxins produced by some bacteria that kill white blood cells (phagocytes).

Capsule

A polysaccharide layer that surrounds some bacteria, helping them evade the immune system.

Exoenzyme

An enzyme secreted by microorganisms that breaks down tissues or inflicts damage.

Epigenetics

The study of changes in gene expression that do not involve alterations to the DNA sequence itself.

Endotoxin

A toxin that is a part of the outer membrane of gram-negative bacteria, often released upon cell death.

Acute Infection

An infection that comes on rapidly and has severe symptoms.

Chronic Infection

An infection that persists over a long period, often for the life of the host.

Sign vs. Symptom

A sign is objectively observable, while a symptom is a subjective experience reported by the patient.

Syndrome

A set of signs and symptoms that occur together and characterize a particular disease.