Chapter 19 Microbiology

Flashcards covering terminology related to skin and eye infections for exam preparation.

Langerhans cells

Specialized dendritic cells found in the skin that help protect against microbes.

Rash

A change in color or texture of the skin, often indicating an infection.

Exanthem

A rash accompanied by systemic symptoms such as fever and muscle aches.

Enanthem

Rashes that occur on mucus membranes.

Macular rash

Flat and red rashes usually less than a centimeter.

Papular rash

A small, solid, and elevated rash that is not reddened.

Pustular rash

A rash filled with pus.

Vesicular rash

Rash consisting of fluid-filled blisters.

Conjunctivitis

Inflammation of the conjunctiva, commonly known as pink eye.

Measles

Highly contagious viral infection characterized by fever and a distinctive rash.

Koplik spots

White spots on the inside of the cheek, indicative of measles.

Rubella

Also known as German measles; caused by the rubella virus, leading to a rash and potential congenital defects.

Fifth disease

Also known as erythema infectiosum; caused by human parvovirus, characterized by slapped cheek rash.

Chickenpox

Viral infection caused by varicella zoster virus, presenting with itchy fluid-filled vesicles.

Shingles

Reactivation of varicella zoster virus, typically presenting in older adults.

Necrotizing fasciitis

Rapidly progressing skin infection that destroys tissue, often caused by Streptococcus pyogenes.

Gangrene

Localized tissue death, which can be wet (infectious) or dry (non-infectious).

Staphylococcus aureus

Coagulase positive bacteria responsible for various skin infections, including boils and impetigo.

MRSA

Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus, a strain of staph aureus that is resistant to common antibiotics.

Acne vulgaris

Skin condition involving blocked hair follicles and often associated with Cutibacterium acnes.

Chlamydia trachomatis

Bacterial organism that can cause acute bacterial conjunctivitis.

Neisseria gonorrhoeae

Bacterial pathogen responsible for acute bacterial conjunctivitis, especially in newborns.

Toxin

A harmful substance produced by certain pathogens that can damage host tissues.

Viral conjunctivitis

Inflammation of the conjunctiva primarily caused by viruses, typically presents without discharge.