Communicable Diseases

Use these to study for 9-10 Quiz

Communicable Disease

A disease that can be transmitted from one person to another through various modes of transmission such as direct contact, droplets, or vectors.

Virus

A tiny pathogen that invades living cells and causes illness such as the common cold, flu.  There are no cures for this, only treatments.  This pathogen runs it’s course.

Bacteria

Single-celled microorganisms that can be beneficial or pathogenic. Some bacteria cause diseases, while others are essential for processes like digestion. These can be treated and cured with antibiotics.

Toxin

a poison made by bacteria that harms the body

Antibiotic Resistent

bacteria that are no longer affected by antibiotics, making infections harder to treat.

Vector

An organism that transmits pathogens from one host to another, often playing a critical role in the spread of diseases. An example would be a fly or a tick.

Pneumonia

a serious lung infection that can be caused by bacteria, viruses, or fungi, leading to symptoms such as coughing, fever, and difficulty breathing.

Jaundice

A medical condition characterized by yellowing of the skin and eyes due to an excess of bilirubin in the blood, often indicating liver problems

Immune System

The complex network of cells, tissues, and organs that work together to defend the body against harmful pathogens and diseases. It includes white blood cells, antibodies, and various other components that recognize and neutralize invaders. Also known as your bodys defense team. It plays a crucial role in maintaining health and preventing infections.

Antigens

Substances that trigger an immune response, often produced by pathogens. Known as “name tags” for the immune system to recognize that the body is under attack and to initiate a defense because they don’t belong. 

Inflammatory Response

The bodys reaction to infection characterized by redness, swelling, heat, and pain. This process helps isolate and eliminate the cause of injury and begins healing.

Lymphocytes

A type of white blood cell that plays a crucial role in the immune response, including B cells and T cells, which help to identify and destroy pathogens.

Phagocytes

A type of white blood cell that eats and destroys pathogens

Pathogen

Immunity

The ability of an organism to resist infection or disease, often through the action of specific antibodies and immune cells.

Pandemic

A global outbreak of a contagious disease affecting a large proportion of the population.

Assymptomatic

Showing no symptoms of a disease despite being infected, particularly in viral infections.

Antibody

A protein made by the body to destroy specific pathogens. They stick to the “germs’ to STOP them