Infection, Inflammation, and Microorganisms: Key Concepts in Immunology and Healing

Nonspecific/General Defense

The body's general defense mechanisms that do not target one specific substance.

Mechanical Barrier

A physical barrier that helps prevent harmful substances/microorganisms from entering the body.

Inflammation

A nonspecific, normal response to tissue injury.

Phagocytosis

The process in which neutrophils and macrophages engulf and destroy bacteria or foreign matter.

Bradykinin

A chemical mediator that activates pain receptors and contributes to capillary dilation.

Histamine

A chemical released by mast cells and basophils that contributes to capillary dilation during inflammation.

Cardinal Signs of Inflammation

Redness, heat, swelling, pain, and loss of function.

Rubor

Redness associated with inflammation.

Erythema

Redness of the skin associated with inflammation.

Edema

Swelling caused by accumulation of fluid in the tissues.

Exudate

Interstitial fluid formed in an inflamed area.

Serous Exudate

Watery/straw-colored exudate associated with an allergic reaction or burn.

Fibrinous Exudate

Thick and sticky exudate associated with scar formation.

Hemorrhagic Exudate

Exudate present when blood vessels have been damaged.

Purulent Exudate

Thick, yellow-green exudate (pus) that indicates bacterial infection.

Abscess

A localized pocket of purulent exudate/pus within solid tissue.

Anorexia

Loss of appetite.

Pyrexia

Fever.

Malaise

A feeling of being unwell.

Chronic Inflammation

Inflammation that may follow an acute episode or develop gradually/insidiously.

Granuloma

A structure that may develop around foreign objects during chronic inflammation.

RICE

A first-aid treatment measure listed for inflammation; Rest, Ice, Compression, Elevation

Resolution

Tissue returns to normal.

Regeneration

Damaged tissue is replaced with cells that are functional.

Replacement

Functional tissue is replaced by scar tissue.

Adhesions

A complication of healing listed in the PowerPoint.

Contractures

A complication of healing listed along with obstructions.

Hypertrophic Scar Tissue

Excessive/thickened scar tissue listed as a complication of healing.

Ulceration

A complication of healing involving ulcer formation.

Dehiscence

A complication of wound healing listed in the PowerPoint.

Factors Promoting Healing

Youth, Good nutrition, Adequate hemoglobin, Effective circulation, Clean undisturbed wound, No infection or further trauma to the site

Factors Delaying Healing

Advanced age, Poor nutrition/dehydration, Anemia, Circulatory problems, Certain chronic diseases, Other disorders, Irritation, bleeding, or excessive mobility, Infection, Foreign material, Radiation exposure, Chemotherapy, Prolonged glucocorticoid use

Microorganisms

Includes bacteria, fungi, protozoa, and viruses.

Nonpathogenic

Microorganisms that are not disease-causing and may be part of normal flora.

Pathogen

A disease-causing microorganism, also called a germ.

Bacteria

Unicellular organisms that do not require living tissue to survive.

Bacilli

One of the major groups/forms of bacteria.

Spirals

One of the major groups/forms of bacteria.

Cocci

One of the major groups/forms of bacteria.

Virus

An intracellular parasite that requires a living host for replication.

Fungi

Organisms found everywhere; only a few are pathogenic. They can cause primary infections on skin or mucous membranes and can spread systemically, especially in immunocompromised individuals.

Tinea Pedis

Athlete's foot; an example of a fungal infection.

Candida

A fungus associated with thrush/yeast infection.

Histoplasma

An example of a fungus listed in the PowerPoint.

Protozoa

Complex eukaryotic organisms; many live independently while others are parasites. Pathogenic protozoa are usually parasites.

Helminths

Worms that are parasites; they enter through the skin or ingestion and are often found in the intestine.

Prions

Protein-like agents transmitted through contaminated tissues that cause degenerative nervous-system disease.

Algae

Organisms that are a main component of plankton; generally not a major human disease concern, although toxins can accumulate in marine animals that consume them.

Resident Flora

Also called normal flora; microorganisms that are usually helpful in preventing other organisms from establishing a colony.

Infection

Occurs when a microbe or parasite is able to ________ in or on the body's tissues. The slide's blank is intended for completion.

Endemic

Infections consistently occurring in a population, such as malaria.

Epidemic

Infections occurring outside their normal geographic range or in higher-than-expected numbers.

Reservoir

A source/location associated with the transmission of infection.

Carrier

A term associated with transmission of infection from a reservoir to a new host.

Direct Contact

A mode of transmission from the reservoir to a new host through direct contact.

Indirect Contact

A mode of transmission involving indirect contact between the reservoir and new host.

Droplet Transmission

Transmission through respiratory droplets.

Aerosol Transmission

Transmission through airborne/aerosolized particles.

Vector-Borne Transmission

Transmission involving a vector.

Nosocomial Infection

An infection that occurs in a healthcare facility, including hospitals, nursing homes, doctors' offices, and dental offices.

Universal Precautions

Infection-control precautions used to help break the chain of infection.

Sterilization

A technique used to reduce transmission of infection.

Disinfectants

Agents/techniques used to reduce transmission of infection.

Antiseptics

Agents/techniques used to reduce transmission of infection.

Handwashing

the most important thing you can do to prevent the spread of infection.

Incubation Period

Time from exposure to the appearance of clinical signs.

Prodromal Period

Period characterized by early, vague symptoms.

Acute Period

The infectious disease develops fully and clinical manifestations reach a peak.

Convalescent Period

Signs subside and body processes return to normal.

Local Infection

An infection confined to a local area.

Focal Infection

A type of infection pattern listed in the PowerPoint.

Systemic Infection

An infection pattern involving the body systemically.

Septicemia

A systemic infection term listed under patterns of infection.

Bacteremia

A systemic infection term listed under patterns of infection.

Toxemia

A systemic infection term listed under patterns of infection.

Viremia

A systemic infection term listed under patterns of infection.

Mixed Infection

A pattern of infection involving more than one type of infectious organism.

Acute Infection

An infection pattern characterized by a more rapid course.

Chronic Infection

An infection pattern characterized by a prolonged course.

Primary Infection

An infection pattern listed under patterns of infection.

Secondary Infection

An infection pattern listed under patterns of infection.

Subclinical Infection

An infection that does not produce obvious clinical manifestations.

Culture

A diagnostic technique used to identify microorganisms.

Staining Techniques

Diagnostic techniques used to help identify microorganisms.

Differential Count

A blood test used in evaluating infection.

Leukocytosis

An increase in white blood cells (WBCs), associated on the slide with bacterial infection.

Leukopenia

A decrease in white blood cells (WBCs), associated on the slide with viral infection.

CRP

A laboratory value related to inflammation/infection.

ESR

A laboratory value related to inflammation/infection.

Lymphoid Structures

Include lymph nodes, spleen, tonsils, intestinal lymphoid tissue, and lymphatic circulation.

Lymphocytes

Primary immune cells involved in specific immunity.

Immune Cells

Cells involved in the immune response.

Bone Marrow

Tissue concerned with immune-cell development.

Thymus

Tissue concerned with immune-cell development.

Chemical Mediators

Chemicals such as histamine and interleukins that signal a cellular response/damage.

Antigen

A substance that triggers an immune response.

Macrophage

A phagocytic cell that intercepts and engulfs foreign material and then processes the antigen.

Antibody/Immunoglobulin

Binds to a specific matching antigen to help destroy it.

Interleukins

Chemical mediators involved in signaling a cellular response.

T Lymphocytes

Lymphocytes responsible for cell-mediated immunity.