Microbial Diseases of the Skin and Eyes

These flashcards cover key vocabulary and definitions related to microbial diseases of the skin and eyes, focusing on mechanisms of infection, types of pathogens, and specific diseases.

ID50

The dose of a pathogen that will cause an infection in 50% of a test population.

LD50

The amount of a toxin required to kill 50% of a test population.

Coagulase

An enzyme produced by some bacteria that causes blood to clot.

Antigenic Variation

The alteration of surface proteins by a pathogen to evade the host's immune response.

Siderophores

Molecules that bind iron and help pathogens acquire it from the host.

Exotoxins

Toxins secreted by bacteria that can cause disease at a distance from the site of infection.

Endotoxins

Toxins that are part of the bacterial cell wall and are released when the bacteria die.

Staphylococcus aureus

A coagulase-positive bacteria known for causing a variety of infections.

Necrotizing fasciitis

A severe infection that leads to the death of soft tissue, often referred to as 'flesh-eating disease'.

Trachoma

A bacterial infection caused by Chlamydia trachomatis that is a leading cause of blindness worldwide.

Pseudomonas aeruginosa

A gram-negative bacterium implicated in infections, especially in burn patients.

Cutaneous Mycoses

Fungal infections that affect the skin, hair, and nails.

Conjunctivitis

An inflammation of the conjunctiva, also known as pink eye.

Ophthalmia Neonatorum

A severe eye infection in newborns caused by Neisseria gonorrhoeae.

Chlamydia trachomatis

A bacterium responsible for various infections including trachoma and inclusion conjunctivitis.

Pemphigus neonatorum

A form of impetigo occurring in newborns, characterized by blisters.

MRSA

Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus, a strain of staph bacteria resistant to many antibiotics.

Toxin B

A toxin produced by Staphylococcus aureus that causes exfoliation.

Candidiasis

An overgrowth of Candida albicans, resulting in infections in skin or mucous membranes.