Chapter 14: Diseases, Bloodborne Pathogens, and Universal Precautions

Vocabulary flashcards covering key terms and concepts from the notes on infections, transmission, immune response, vaccines, and workplace/athletic safety.

Bloodborne pathogens

Pathogenic organisms present in human blood and other fluids that can cause disease (HBV, HCV, HIV are the most significant).

Direct transmission

Transmission through direct contact with body surfaces or fluids, including touching and sexual intercourse.

Indirect transmission

Transmission via inanimate objects or vectors (water, food, towels, clothing, utensils; insects, birds, animals).

Droplet spread

Inhalation of airborne droplets produced by coughing, sneezing, or talking.

Fecal-oral spread

Transmission when fecal material contaminates hands and is ingested through the mouth.

Airborne transmission

Infected particles suspended in the air that can be inhaled by others.

Pathogen

A microorganism that can cause disease by disrupting body processes.

Infection

Invasion and multiplication of pathogens in the body, leading to disease.

Incubation stage

Period from pathogen entry to appearance of signs/symptoms of disease.

Prodromal stage

Early symptoms (e.g., watery eyes, runny nose) that may allow transmission.

Acute stage

Phase of greatest disease development; body resists further damage.

Decline stage

First signs of recovery; risk of relapse if overexerted.

Recovery stage

Pathogen defeated; immunity may develop, which could be temporary.

Mechanical defenses

Body’s first barrier: skin and mucous membranes.

Immune system

Cellular system (T cells and B cells) that eliminates pathogens.

Antigen

Substance that triggers an immune response.

Antibody

Proteins produced by B cells that neutralize antigens.

T cells

Lymphocytes that coordinate and execute immune responses (CD4+ helpers and CD8+ killers).

B cells

Lymphocytes that become plasma cells to produce antibodies.

Plasma cells

Activated B cells that secrete antibodies.

Memory cells

Memory B and memory T cells that respond quickly on re-exposure.

CD4+ T helper cells

T cells that help activate other immune cells (including B cells).

CD8+ cytotoxic T cells

T cells that destroy infected host cells.

Acquired immunity

Immunity developed artificially (vaccination) or passively (antibodies injected).

Immunization

Process of stimulating active immunity through vaccines.

Vaccination

Administration of a vaccine to induce immunity against a disease.

Vaccines (examples)

Vaccines for diphtheria, pertussis, hepatitis B, Hib, tetanus, rubella, measles, polio, mumps, and chickenpox.

Epidemiology terms: Sporadic

Occasional cases that occur irregularly in a population.

Endemic

Regularly found among particular people or in a certain area.

Epidemic

Unusually high number of cases in a region.

Pandemic

Global outbreak of a disease.

Hand washing

Most effective practice to minimize transmission of infectious disease.

Universal precautions

OSHA standards to prevent exposure to bloodborne pathogens; apply to all patients.

OSHA

Occupational Safety and Health Administration; sets workplace safety standards.

Personal protective equipment (PPE)

Gloves, gowns, masks, eye/face protection, shields, and mouthpieces used to reduce exposure.

Latex sensitivity

Allergic reactions to latex; use nonlatex gloves when appropriate.

Biohazard labels

Fluorescent orange/red labels for containers of potentially infectious material.

Red bags/containers

Special bags/containers designated for infectious waste.

Disinfectant protocol

Use approved disinfectant at 1:10 ratio with water to clean surfaces that may be infectious.

Sharps

Needles, blades, and similar items; require careful handling and disposal in sharps containers.

Do not recap needles

Never recap or bend needles; dispose immediately in appropriate sharps containers.

Postexposure procedures

Confidential medical evaluation after exposure, including source identification and counseling.

Hepatitis B (HBV)

Liver-infecting virus; transmitted through blood and fluids; vaccination available; can be prevented with vaccination.

Hepatitis C (HCV)

Liver infection; no vaccine; primarily transmitted by blood; treatable with antiviral therapies.

Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV)

Retrovirus that infects T cells, B cells, and monocytes; can progress to AIDS; no vaccine.

AIDS

Advanced HIV infection with collection of opportunistic infections and symptoms; no cure, managed with therapy.

Hepatitis A

Acute liver inflammation; fecal-oral transmission; typically short-term; no chronic disease; vaccine available.

Hepatitis D (HDV)

Inflammation of the liver; occurs in people infected with HBV; more severe than HBV alone.

Hepatitis E (HEV)

Liver inflammation; fecal-oral transmission via contaminated water; usually acute.

Mouthpieces in sports

Use mouthpieces to reduce exposure in high-risk activities.

Shower after practice

Hygiene practice to reduce infection risk after athletic activity.

Confidentiality in HIV testing

Legal and ethical protection; laws (e.g., ADA, HIPAA) govern disclosure and testing practices.