Exam 3 Master Study Guide - Microbiology

A comprehensive set of vocabulary flashcards covering medical mycology, pyogenic cocci, gram-positive/negative bacilli, spirochetes, and basic virology/prion characteristics based on the Lecture 3 Master Study Guide.

Mycoses

General term for fungal infections.

Thermal dimorphism

The ability of certain fungi to change their form based on temperature changes.

Histoplasma capsulatum

A true fungal pathogen found in soil containing bird or bat feces, commonly associated with the Midwest.

Dermatophytes

Fungi known as 'keratin lovers' that cause ringworm (tinea).

Malassezia furfur

A fungus that causes tinea versicolor, characterized by skin discoloration.

Candida albicans

Opportunistic normal flora that can cause thrush, vaginal yeast infections, and diaper rash when the body's balance is disrupted.

Pyogenic Cocci

A group of bacteria that cause pus formation, including Staphylococcus, Streptococcus, and Neisseria.

Coagulase

An enzyme produced by Staphylococcus aureus that clots blood to hide the bacteria from the immune system.

Hyaluronidase

A virulence factor that allows Staphylococcus aureus to spread through host tissue.

$\beta$-lactamase

An enzyme that provides antibiotic resistance to certain bacteria.

Leukocidin

A toxin produced by Staphylococcus aureus that kills immune cells.

Furuncle

A localized skin abscess commonly known as a boil.

Carbuncle

A deep and severe skin infection caused by Staphylococcus aureus.

Scalded Skin Syndrome

A toxin-mediated disease where exfoliative toxin causes the skin to peel.

MRSA

Staphylococcus aureus strains that are resistant to all beta-lactam antibiotics.

Necrotizing fasciitis

A severe infection caused by Streptococcus pyogenes involving rapid tissue destruction and high mortality.

Erythrogenic toxin

The toxin produced by Streptococcus pyogenes that causes the rash and 'strawberry tongue' associated with scarlet fever.

Rheumatic fever

A long-term immune complication of Streptococcus pyogenes that causes heart damage.

Glomerulonephritis

A long-term immune complication of Streptococcus pyogenes that causes kidney damage.

Streptococcus pneumoniae

An alpha-hemolytic bacterium that uses a capsule as its major virulence factor and can cause pneumonia with rust-colored sputum.

Neisseria gonorrhoeae

A gram-negative diplococcus ('coffee bean' shape) that causes an STD which may lead to PID and infertility in females.

Petechiae

A dark rash associated with rapid, life-threatening meningitis caused by Neisseria meningitidis.

Gas gangrene

A condition caused by Clostridium perfringens characterized by gas production in spongy tissue.

Tetanospasmin

The toxin produced by Clostridium tetani that causes muscle rigidity or lockjaw.

Botulinum toxin

A toxin that causes flaccid paralysis and is transmitted through canned food, honey (in infants), or wounds.

Listeria monocytogenes

An intracellular foodborne pathogen that can cross the placenta and lead to fetal death.

Tubercles

Hardened nodules in the lungs associated with Mycobacterium tuberculosis infection.

Pseudomonas aeruginosa

An opportunistic gram-negative bacillus known for its blue-green pigment and grape-like odor.

Escherichia coli O157:H7

A strain of E. coli that produces Shiga toxin and can cause severe diarrhea and kidney failure.

Yersinia pestis

The bacterium responsible for the plague, transmitted by fleas.

Borrelia burgdorferi

The spirochete transmitted by ticks that causes Lyme disease and is characterized by a bullseye rash.

Lysogenic Cycle

A viral replication cycle where the viral DNA integrates into the host genome and remains latent.

Prions

Infectious proteins that cause brain degeneration.