Microbio- Exam 4

Pathogenesis

The process by which a pathogen causes disease in a host organism.

RAID

Replication, Adherence, Invasion, and Disruption - critical abilities for a successful pathogen.

Course of Infection

The progression of stages an infectious disease follows in a host, including incubation, prodromal, illness, decline, and convalescence.

Most Infectious Stages

The individual is most infectious during the illness and prodromal stages of infection.

Chain of Infection

A sequence of steps that describes how an infectious disease is transmitted: pathogen, reservoir, portal of exit, mode of transmission, portal of entry, and susceptible host.

Immune System Defense Evasion

Microbes can escape immune defenses by various methods such as antigenic variation, hiding within cells, or producing substances that can neutralize immune responses.

Virulence Factors

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

Neurotoxins

Toxins that affect nerve cells and can disrupt communication in the nervous system.

Enterotoxins

Toxins that specifically affect the intestines, often causing gastrointestinal symptoms.

Cytotoxins

Toxins that damage or kill host cells, leading to tissue damage.

Endotoxins

Components of the outer membrane of certain bacteria that can trigger strong immune responses.

Epidemiology

The study of how diseases spread and can be controlled in populations.

Incidence

The number of new cases of a disease in a specific time period.

Prevalence

The total number of cases, both new and existing, of a disease within a population at a given time.

Morbidity

The condition of being diseased or the prevalence of disease within a population.

Mortality

The number of deaths caused by a disease within a population.

Basic Reproductive Number

An indicator of the average number of secondary infections produced by one infected individual in a fully susceptible population.

Herd Immunity

When a large percentage of a population becomes immune to a disease, thereby providing indirect protection to those who are not immune.

Factors for Disease Emergence

Changes in human behavior, environmental factors, microbial adaptation, and global travel contribute to the emergence of infectious diseases.

Respiratory System Parts

Includes the trachea, bronchi, lungs, responsible for gas exchange.

Digestive System Parts

Includes the mouth, esophagus, stomach, intestines, responsible for food processing and nutrient absorption.

Portals of Entry for Respiratory System

Typically include the nasal passages, mouth, and trachea.

Portals of Entry for Digestive System

Mainly include the mouth and anus.

Nosocomial Infections

Infections acquired in healthcare settings, where those with weakened immune systems are most susceptible.

Common Reservoirs for Nosocomial Pathogens

Can include healthcare environments and contaminated instruments.

Preventing Nosocomial Infections

Nurses can use hand hygiene, safe injection practices, and aseptic techniques to help decrease transmission.

Helicobacter pylori

A bacterium causing gastritis and peptic ulcer disease, typically infects the stomach and can lead to symptoms such as abdominal pain.

Pseudomonas aeruginosa

A bacterium associated with nosocomial lung and wound infections, typically in immunocompromised hosts.

Rhinovirus

A common virus causing colds, primarily infects the upper respiratory tract.

Rotavirus

A virus causing viral gastroenteritis, commonly affecting infants and young children.

Streptococcus pyogenes

A bacterium responsible for strep throat, causing symptoms like sore throat and fever.

Bioremediation

The use of microbes to clean up contaminated environments.

Composting

The process of decomposing organic material by microbes to create nutrient-rich soil.

Fermentation

A metabolic process that converts sugars into acids or alcohol, often used when oxygen is limited.

Impact of Fermentation on Food Supply

Fermentation enhances food preservation, flavor, and nutritional value.

Prebiotic

Substances that induce the growth or activity of beneficial microorganisms in the gut.

Probiotic

Live beneficial bacteria which are ingested for health benefits.