Blood and Lymphatic System Infections Review 25

These flashcards cover key vocabulary related to blood and lymphatic system infections, including definitions of important terms and concepts relevant to the lecture.

Yersinia pestis

The causative agent of plague, a Gram-negative rod known to cause bubonic and pneumonic plague.

Bacteraemia

The presence of bacteria in the blood, which may not cause symptoms and can occur transiently.

Sepsis

A serious condition resulting from the presence of harmful bacteria and their toxins in the bloodstream.

Endocarditis

An infection of the heart valves or inner surfaces of the heart.

Lymphangitis

An inflammation of the lymphatic vessels, often resulting in visible red streaks spreading from an infection site.

Infectious Mononucleosis

A viral infection characterized by fever, sore throat, and enlarged lymph nodes, primarily caused by Epstein-Barr virus.

Phagocytosis

The process by which certain cells engulf and digest microorganisms and cellular debris.

Phagocytic cells

Cells that protect the body by ingesting harmful foreign particles, bacteria, and dead or dying cells.

Yersinia pestis

The bacterium responsible for the 'Black Death', transmitted primarily by fleas.

Virulence factors

Molecular tools that bacteria use to infect a host and evade the immune system.

Antibody

A blood protein produced in response to and counteracting a specific antigen.

Immunoglobulins

A type of antibody that binds to pathogens to neutralize them.

Epidemiology

The study of how diseases affect the health and illness of populations.

Biofilm

A complex aggregation of microorganisms where they adhere to surfaces.

Gram-negative bacteria

Bacteria that do not retain the crystal violet stain used in the Gram staining procedure; often more resistant to antibiotics.

Pathogenesis

The process by which an infection leads to disease.

Colony

A group of microorganisms that grow together in one location.

Antiviral medications

Drugs that treat viral infections by inhibiting the development of the virus.