Microbial Control and Host Defenses Lecture Review

A set of flashcards covering key terminology and concepts from lectures on microbial control, antimicrobials, microbe-human interactions, and host defenses.

What does the term 'germicidal' refer to?

A method that kills microorganisms.

What is the difference between bactericidal and bacteriostatic?

Bactericidal kills bacteria while bacteriostatic inhibits their growth.

What does the term 'sterilization' mean?

The complete elimination or destruction of all forms of microbial life.

What is pasteurization?

A process that involves heating liquids to a specific temperature to kill pathogenic microorganisms.

What does the 'mode of action' refer to in microbial control?

The specific target or mechanism through which a microbial control method affects microbial cell structures or processes.

What are the characteristics of an ideal antimicrobial?

Effective against a wide range of pathogens, low toxicity to host, does not induce resistance, and remains stable.

What is the definition of 'virulence factor'?

A characteristic or component of a pathogen that contributes to its ability to cause disease.

What type of infection is a nosocomial infection?

An infection acquired in a healthcare setting.

What is passive immunity?

Immunity gained through the introduction of antibodies from another individual.

How do vaccines work to protect against infectious diseases?

They stimulate the immune system to recognize and remember specific pathogens.

What are the two types of vaccines mentioned?

Inactivated vaccines and attenuated vaccines.

What is the difference between innate and adaptive immunity?

Innate immunity is a non-specific defense mechanism present at birth, while adaptive immunity is a specific defense developed after exposure to a pathogen.

what are the forms of heat sterilization? 

The two main forms of heat sterilization are dry heat and moist heat, autoclaving.

what are the three modes of action for physical and chemical methods?

damage/denature proteins, damage/break up cell membranes, damaging nucleic acid

what are the modes of action for antimicrobials?

inhibiting cell wall synthesis, disrupting protein synthesis, interfering with nucleic acid synthesis, and metabolic pathways.

what are the 8 antimicrobials that inhibit cell wall synthesis?

penicillin, ampicillin, methicillin, amoxicillin, cephalosporins, carbapenems, bacitracin, vancomycin

difference between prebiotics and probiotics

Prebiotics are non-digestible food ingredients that promote the growth of beneficial microorganisms in the intestine, while probiotics are live bacteria that confer health benefits to the host when consumed.

what are some virulence factors that pathogens possess

endotoxins/exotoxins, capsules, fimbrae, flagella, spikes, surface proteins

what are examples of the first line of defense? 

The first line of defense includes physical barriers like skin and mucous membranes, as well as chemical barriers such as enzymes in saliva and stomach acid.

what are some examples of the second line of defense?

The second line of defense consists of immune responses including phagocytosis, inflammation, and the activation of the complement system, which help to eliminate pathogens that breach the first line of defense.

what are some aspects of the third line of defense?

The third line of defense involves specific immune responses, including the activation of T cells and B cells, the production of antibodies, and the formation of immunological memory to provide long-lasting protection against pathogens.

what are the three types of white blood cells

that play crucial roles in the immune response, including lymphocytes, neutrophils, and monocytes.

what are the four types of lymphocytes and their functions 

The four types of lymphocytes are T cells (which help destroy infected host cells), B cells (which produce antibodies), natural killer cells (which attack tumor and virus-infected cells), and helper T cells (which assist other immune cells in the immune response).

active vs. passive immunity

Active immunity results from exposure to pathogens or vaccination, leading to the production of antibodies by the immune system, while passive immunity involves the acquisition of antibodies from another source, providing temporary protection.

what are the five steps involved in pathogens causing and spreading disease?

The five steps are: 1) Portals of entry, 2) Adherence to host cells, 3) Invasion and multiplication, 4) Damage to host tissues, and 5) Portals of exit.

what are the two major components of the immune system

The two major components of the immune system are the innate immune system, which provides immediate but non-specific defense against pathogens, and the adaptive immune system, which offers specific responses through the activation of lymphocytes and the production of antibodies.

main structures of the lymphatic system 

The main structures of the lymphatic system include lymph nodes, lymph vessels, and the spleen, which play critical roles in immune function and fluid balance.

what is the primary role of neutrophils in innate immunity

Neutrophils are white blood cells that play a crucial role in innate immunity by rapidly responding to sites of infection, phagocytosing pathogens, and releasing enzymes and reactive oxygen species to destroy invading microorganisms.