HESC 207: Introduction to Microbiology

Practice flashcards covering the branches of microbiology, historical developments, Koch's postulates, and principles of immunology and infection control.

What is the definition of Microbiology according to the lecture?

The study of organisms that in many of their forms cannot be seen without the aid of a microscope.

What are the etymological roots of the word 'Microbiology'?

Micro (small), bio (life), and logia (study).

What is the branch of microbiology that focuses on the study of fungi?

Mycology.

Which branch of microbiology involves the study of the system that defends against infections?

Immunology.

Why was there little progress in microbiology during the 17th and 18th centuries?

Because the relationship between infectious diseases and microorganisms had not yet been discovered.

Who is known as the 'Father of Microbiology' and invented the microscope in 1683?

Antony Van Leeuwenhoek.

What term did Antony Van Leeuwenhoek use to describe the tiny living creatures he observed?

Animalitos (animalcules).

What specific diseases were identified as being caused by microorganisms by the end of the 19th century?

Diphtheria, Tuberculosis, Typhoid fever, Cholera, and Gonorrhea.

What theory did Louis Pasteur propose regarding the cause of infections?

The Germ Theory of Disease.

How did Joseph Lister apply Pasteur's theories to surgery?

He performed the first disinfection in surgery using a phenolic solution (Carbolic Acid Spray) on his hands, instruments, and the air.

What are Koch's Postulates?

Rules developed by Dr. Robert Koch to identify the microorganism responsible for an infection.

According to Koch's Postulates, what is the second step in identifying a pathogen?

Isolate the microorganism from patient samples and grow it in a pure culture.

What is Epidemiology?

Specialized knowledge about microorganisms and the way they are transferred from person to person.

What are nosocomial infections?

Infections acquired in the hospital.

The development of an infection depends on which two main factors?

1. The patient's defenses (Immune System) and 2. The microorganism's ability to cause infection (Pathogenicity).

What is the difference between Natural Immunity and Acquired Immunity?

Natural Immunity consists of factors we are born with that provide resistance, while Acquired Immunity is resistance developed after birth through cells and antibodies.

What are some examples of the body's natural barriers?

Tears (lysozymes), skin, mucus, ciliated epithelium, gastric acidity, and normal intestinal flora.

How is 'Pathogenicity' defined in the lecture?

The capacity of a microorganism to gain access to the host and cause disease.

What are Virulence Factors?

Characteristics of a microorganism that help it evade the host's response and cause disease, such as adhesins, enzymes, and toxins.