Infection Concept Review Flashcards

Vocabulary flashcards generated from the lecture transcript covering infection concepts, asepsis types, infection stages, antimicrobial classes, prevention levels, and lifespan considerations.

Infection

The invasion of body tissue by microorganisms (pathogens) with the potential to cause illness or disease.

Medical Asepsis

Also known as the 'clean technique,' a set of practices aimed at reducing the number of pathogens; used in handwashing, daily hygiene, medication administration, enemas, and tube feedings.

Surgical Asepsis

Also known as 'sterile technique,' a set of practices that eliminates all pathogens to achieve sterility; used in dressing changes, catheterizations, and surgical procedures.

Prodromal Stage

The second stage of infection characterized by the appearance of initial generalized symptoms.

Illness Stage

The third stage of infection characterized by rapid proliferation and dissemination of the pathogen, vital sign changes, tissue damage, immune response, and localized manifestations.

B-lactams

The most widely used class of antibiotics in the NHS, all containing a beta-lactam ring, that inhibit bacterial cell wall biosynthesis (e.g., penicillins, cephalosporins).

Aminoglycosides

A family of over 20 antibiotics containing aminosugar substructures that inhibit bacterial protein synthesis, causing cell death (e.g., streptomycin, neomycin, kanamycin, paromomycin).

Chloramphenicol

A distinct individual bacteriostatic compound that inhibits synthesis of bacterial proteins; not a first-line drug in developed nations due to safety concerns and resistance, except for conjunctivitis.

Glycopeptides

Common bactericidal drugs of last resort consisting of a carbohydrate linked to a peptide that inhibit bacterial cell wall biosynthesis (e.g., vancomycin, teicoplanin).

Quinolones

Bactericidal antibiotics containing fused aromatic rings with an attached carboxylic acid group that interfere with bacterial DNA replication and transcription, though resistance evolves rapidly (e.g., ciprofloxacin).

Oxazolidinones

Bacteriostatic antibiotics containing a 2-oxazolidone structure that inhibit synthesis of bacterial proteins, preventing growth (e.g., linezolid).

Sulfonamides

The first commercial antibiotics (discovered in 1930) that contain the sulfonamide group and act as bacteriostatic agents to prevent bacterial growth and multiplication (e.g., sulfanilamide).

Tetracyclines

Bacteriostatic antibiotics containing four adjacent cyclic hydrocarbon rings that inhibit synthesis of bacterial proteins (e.g., doxycycline).

Macrolides

The second most prescribed class of antibiotics in the NHS, containing a 14-, 15-, or 16-membered ring, which act as bactericidal agents by inhibiting bacterial protein synthesis (e.g., erythromycin).

Ansamycins

Bactericidal antibiotics containing an aromatic ring with a hydrocarbon bridge that inhibit bacterial RNA synthesis and also exhibit antiviral activity (e.g., rifamycin).

Streptogramins

A combination of two structurally differing compound groups (A and B) that act synergistically to inhibit bacterial protein synthesis, causing cell death.

Lipopeptides

Bactericidal antibiotics containing a lipid bonded to a peptide that disrupt cell membrane functions, with rare instances of resistance (e.g., daptomycin).

Primary Prevention

Infection control measures designed to prevent the onset of illness, including hand hygiene, vaccinations, and PPE.

Secondary Prevention

Early detection and screening methods for infection, including routine Pap smears, TB tests, HIV/Hep C tests, and post-exposure STI testing.

Tertiary Prevention

Treatment interventions and supportive care for affected body systems using pharmacologic agents such as antibiotics, antivirals, and antifungals.

Handwashing Technique

A primary prevention process involving wetting hands with clean running water, rubbing hands with soap for at least 20 seconds, rinsing, turning off the faucet with a paper towel or elbow, and drying thoroughly.

Pediatric Febrile Seizure Vulnerability

The age window between 6 months and 5 years in pediatric patients associated with a higher risk for developing febrile seizures during infection.