Pathogens, Metabolism, and Disease Recognition

Vocabulary flashcards covering key pathogens, metabolic connections, and disease recognition clues from microbiology lecture materials.

Staphylococcus aureus

Gram-positive cocci arranged in clusters; part of the skin and nasal microbiota; causes wound, skin, and bloodstream infections following damaged barriers; characterized by high virulence and facultative anaerobic growth.

Escherichia coli

Gram-negative rod found in the intestinal microbiota; facultative anaerobe that can utilize aerobic respiration, anaerobic respiration, or fermentation depending on environmental conditions.

Serratia marcescens

Opportunistic Gram-negative rod that causes urinary tract infections (UTIs) and healthcare-associated infections; produces a red pigment that can vary based on environmental conditions.

Clostridioides difficile

Gram-positive spore-forming anaerobic rod that performs fermentation; causes antibiotic-associated watery diarrhea via toxin production; utilizes spores to aid clinical persistence.

Pseudomonas aeruginosa

Metabolically versatile bacterium causing wound, respiratory, and device-associated infections through biofilms; prefers $O_2$ but can utilize nitrate when $O_2$ is limited.

Staphylococcus epidermidis

Skin-associated organism that forms biofilms on catheters and medical devices; exhibits persistence associated with biofilm growth and altered metabolism.

Bacteroides fragilis, Clostridium perfringens, and Mycobacterium tuberculosis

Organisms specifically highlighted in lecture to demonstrate how oxygen availability and microbial metabolic strategies affect infection environments.

Cholera

Infection caused by Vibrio cholerae (Gram-negative curved rod), classically characterized by rice-water diarrhea and severe dehydration.

Chlamydia

Infection caused by Chlamydia trachomatis (Gram-negative-type, obligate intracellular bacterium), which is often asymptomatic or presents with dysuria and discharge.

Shigellosis

Infection caused by Shigella sonnei (Gram-negative rod), presenting clinically with bloody diarrhea and abdominal cramps.

Anthrax

Disease caused by Bacillus anthracis (Gram-positive spore-forming rod), clinically identified by a painless black eschar.

Diphtheria

Disease caused by Corynebacterium diphtheriae (Gram-positive rod), recognized clinically by the formation of a gray throat pseudomembrane.

Lyme disease

Tick-borne infection caused by Borrelia burgdorferi (spirochete, Gram-negative-type), classically presenting with erythema migrans (bull's-eye rash).

Stomach ulcers

Condition caused by Helicobacter pylori (Gram-negative curved/spiral rod), clinically presenting as gastritis or peptic ulcers.

Pertussis

Respiratory infection caused by Bordetella pertussis (Gram-negative coccobacillus), characterized by paroxysmal cough, inspiratory whoop, and post-tussive vomiting.

San Joaquin Valley Fever

Fungal infection caused by Coccidioides immitis, linked to desert exposure and presenting with cough, fever, and chest symptoms.

Candidiasis

Fungal infection caused by the yeast Candida albicans, commonly manifesting as oral thrush or vaginal candidiasis.

Giardiasis

Intestinal illness caused by Giardia lamblia (protozoan), presenting with greasy, foul-smelling diarrhea.

Malaria

Parasitic infection caused by Plasmodium vivax (protozoan), characterized by cyclic fever and chills as well as anemia.

Nutrients → Metabolism → ATP → Population Growth

A foundational lecture concept connecting the acquisition of nutrients to metabolic pathways that synthesize ATP, which directly drives microbial cell division and population growth.