Pathogens and Disease

Flashcards about Pathogens and Diseases

Epidemiological Triangle

A diagram that illustrates how diseases spread, considering the agent, host, and environment.

Agent (in Epidemiology)

The cause of the disease, such as a virus or bacteria.

Host (in Epidemiology)

Humans or animals who can contract the disease.

Environment (in Epidemiology)

Conditions that facilitate the spread of the disease, like climate or sanitation.

Epidemic

A disease outbreak limited to one geographic area

Pandemic

A global outbreak of a disease.

Vaccination

Receiving a shot to protect against a disease.

Vaccine Hesitancy

Refusal or delay in getting vaccinated.

Herd Immunity

When a large enough portion of the population is immune to a disease, making it difficult for the disease to spread.

Inactivated Viruses

Viruses that have been killed and are used in vaccines.

Live Attenuated Viruses

Weakened viruses used in vaccines.

mRNA Vaccines

Vaccines made using messenger RNA, like the Pfizer and Moderna COVID-19 vaccines.

Subunit Vaccines

Vaccines made from parts of a germ, such as proteins.

Virus Structure

Genetic material (DNA or RNA), a protein coat (capsid), and sometimes a lipid envelope.

Capsid

The protein coat that surrounds the genetic material of a virus.

Active Virus (Lytic)

Stage where a virus reproduces immediately upon entering a host cell.

Dormant Virus (Lysogenic)

Stage where a virus remains hidden inside a cell and activates later.

Mutation (in bacteria)

Random changes in a bacteria's DNA

Conjugation

The process by which bacteria swap DNA through a bridge.

Conditions for Bacterial Growth

Warm temperature, moisture, nutrients, and the right pH level.

How Antibiotics Work

Damaging cell walls, stopping protein production, and blocking reproduction.

Antibiotic Resistance

When bacteria change, and antibiotics are no longer effective.

Physical Barriers (Body's First Line of Defense)

Skin, tears, and mucus.

Innate (Nonspecific) Immune Response

Fever, inflammation, and white blood cells.

Adaptive Immunity

Specific response using antibodies and memory cells.

Inflammation

Swelling and heat to trap invaders.

Fever

Raises body temperature to slow bacterial growth.

White Blood Cells

Destroy invaders through phagocytosis (eating bacteria).

Adaptive Immunity Process

White blood cells make antibodies to attack a specific pathogen, and memory cells remember it for future, faster responses.

Public Health Strategies

Quarantine, travel restrictions, masks, hand washing, vaccination campaigns, and education programs.