Veterinary Microbiology: Key Concepts and Pathogens

This set of flashcards covers important vocabulary and key concepts related to gram-positive bacteria, anaerobes, miscellaneous bacteria, prions, and viruses as outlined in veterinary microbiology.

Gram Positive Bacteria

Bacteria that retain the crystal violet stain used in the Gram staining method.

Staphylococcus aureus

A Gram-positive cocci often found in clusters, can cause pyogenic infections.

Facultative Anaerobes

Microorganisms that can grow in the presence or absence of oxygen.

Pyoderma

A bacterial skin infection commonly caused by Staphylococcus species.

Mastitis

An infection of the mammary gland.

Catalase Positive

Bacteria that produce catalase, helping to break down hydrogen peroxide.

Coagulase Test

A test that differentiates Staphylococcus aureus from other staphylococcal species.

Methicillin Resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA)

A strain of Staphylococcus aureus that is resistant to methicillin and other antibiotics.

Streptococcus species

Gram-positive bacteria that often form chains and cause a variety of infections.

Abscess

A localized collection of pus in a cavity formed by tissue disintegration.

Corynebacterium

A genus of Gram-positive bacteria known for pleomorphic forms, some are pathogens.

Corynebacterium pseudotuberculosis

Causes caseous lymphadenitis in sheep and goats.

Rhodococcus equi

A Gram-positive coccobacillus that causes suppurative bronchopneumonia in foals.

Actinomyces bovis

Causes lumpy jaw disease in cattle.

Listeria monocytogenes

A foodborne pathogen that can cause encephalitis and abortion in livestock.

Clostridium chauvoei

Causes blackleg disease in cattle.

Clostridium perfringens

A bacterium associated with food poisoning and gas gangrene.

Erysipelothrix rhusiopathiae

Causes erysipelas in pigs and other animals.

Anaplasmataceae

A family of Gram-negative bacteria that are obligate intracellular pathogens.

Viable Host Cells

Living cells required by viruses to replicate.

Viroid

A small infectious agent composed only of RNA.

Prions

Infectious proteins that can cause neurodegenerative diseases.

Transmissible Spongiform Encephalopathies (TSEs)

A class of prion diseases causing brain degeneration.

Calicivirus

A non-enveloped RNA virus associated with gastrointestinal disease in animals.

Retroviridae

A family of RNA viruses characterized by their ability to reverse transcribe into DNA.

Influenza A Virus

An RNA virus causing respiratory diseases in birds and mammals including dogs.

Paramyxoviridae

A family of viruses known for causing respiratory infections in animals.

Bacillus anthracis

The causative agent of anthrax, an important zoonotic disease.

Fusobacterium necrophorum

Causes foot rot and necrobacillosis in cattle and sheep.

Gram Staining

A method to classify bacteria based on cell wall composition.

Opportunistic pathogens

Microorganisms that normally do not cause disease but can under certain conditions.

Endospores

Heat-resistant spores formed by some bacteria enabling survival in extreme conditions.

Virion

A complete, infective virus particle.

Infection Control

Practices used to prevent the spread of pathogens.

Diagnostic Methods

Techniques used to identify pathogens causing disease.

Hemolysis

The breakdown of red blood cells, used in determining bacterial species.

Cytotoxin

A toxin that specifically targets cells, disrupting normal function.

Commensal bacteria

Microorganisms that normally live in or on a host without causing disease.

Sample Collection

The process of obtaining biological specimens for laboratory testing.

Zoonotic diseases

Diseases that can be transmitted from animals to humans.

Skin Lesions

Visible wounds or infections on the skin that can indicate bacterial infection.

Exudate

Fluid that leaks out of blood vessels into nearby tissues, often due to inflammation.

Nocardia species

Aerobic, filamentous bacteria that can cause opportunistic infections.

Virulence factors

Molecules produced by pathogens that contribute to their ability to cause disease.

Bacterial Resistance

The ability of bacteria to resist the effects of medication that once killed them.

Anaerobic bacteria

Bacteria that do not require oxygen for growth.

Helminths

Parasitic worms that can live in a host organism.

Protozoa

Single-celled organisms that can be free-living or parasitic.

Vaccination

The administration of a vaccine to stimulate the immune system.

Herd immunity

Resistance to the spread of infectious disease within a population.

Clinical signs

Physical indications of disease observed in patients.

Pathogenicity

The ability of an organism to cause disease.

Hygiene practices

Routine actions to maintain cleanliness and health.

Intracellular bacteria

Bacteria that reside and replicate within host cells.

Virulence

The degree of pathogenicity of a microbe.

Gram Negative Bacteria

Bacteria that do not retain the crystal violet stain in the Gram staining method, appearing red or pink.

Obligate Aerobes

Microorganisms that require oxygen for growth and survival.

Obligate Anaerobes

Microorganisms that cannot grow in the presence of oxygen and may be harmed by it.

Bacterial Cell Wall

A rigid layer outside the plasma membrane, providing structural support and protection, with composition differences distinguishing Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria.

Cocci

Bacteria that are spherical or ovoid in shape.

Bacilli

Rod-shaped or cylindrical bacteria.

Exotoxins

Potent toxins secreted by bacteria that can cause damage to host cells or interfere with normal host functions.

Endotoxins

Lipopolysaccharide (LPS) components of the outer membrane of Gram-negative bacteria, released upon cell lysis and causing inflammation and fever.

Bacteriophage

A type of virus that specifically infects and replicates within bacteria.

Bacterial Capsule

An outer polysaccharide layer that surrounds some bacteria, contributing to virulence by protecting against phagocytosis and aiding in adhesion.

Pili (Fimbriae)

Hair-like appendages on the surface of many bacteria that aid in adhesion to host cells.

Flagella

Long, whip-like appendages that enable bacterial motility.

Biofilm

A community of microorganisms encased in an extracellular polymeric substance, typically attached to a surface.

Septicemia

A severe, life-threatening bloodstream infection caused by bacteria and their toxins.

Antibiotics

Medications used to treat bacterial infections by killing bacteria or inhibiting their growth.