Principles of Medical Biology - Microbial Diseases Flashcards

Flashcards covering vocabulary from lecture notes on microbial diseases, including definitions of microorganisms, pathogens, and lab techniques.

Microbiology

The study of microorganisms, which are very small and unable to be seen by the naked eye, requiring a microscope.

Microorganisms

Commonly referred to as “germs” or “microbes,” including bacteria, viruses, fungi, algae, protozoa, and helminths.

Bacteriology

The branch of microbiology that studies bacteria.

Mycology

The branch of microbiology that studies fungi and yeast.

Virology

The branch of microbiology that studies viruses.

Parasitology

The branch of microbiology that studies parasitic protozoans and helminths.

Pathogens

Microorganisms (germs) that can harm the body and cause infections and disease.

Antibiotics

Medications used to kill bacteria; however, some bacteria have become antibiotic-resistant.

Protozoa

One-celled, animal-like organisms found in decayed materials and contaminated water; some are pathogenic.

Fungi

Simple, plant-like organisms that live on dead organic matter; can be pathogenic; antifungal medications are required for treatment.

Rickettsiae

Parasitic microorganisms that cannot live outside the cells of another living organism; transmitted by insect bites; many are susceptible to antibiotics.

Viruses

Smallest microorganisms that must use an electron microscope to be seen; require a living cell to reproduce; spread by blood and body secretions; very difficult to kill.

Hepatitis B

A viral infection of the liver transmitted by blood serum and body secretions; a vaccine is available.

Hepatitis C

A viral infection transmitted by blood and blood-containing body fluids; no vaccine is currently available.

AIDS (Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome)

Caused by HIV, which suppresses the immune system, making individuals susceptible to infections and cancers; no cure or vaccine is currently available.

Helminths

Multicellular parasites also known as worms or flukes; transmitted by contaminated food, infected insect bites, or direct skin penetration.

Toxins

Poisons produced by some pathogens that cause disease.

Causative Agent

The pathogen that causes the disease.

Reservoir

The place where the pathogen lives and multiplies.

Mode of Transmission

The way a pathogen travels from one host to another.

Susceptible Host

A person likely to get an infection or disease.

Gram Stain

A stain used to differentiate bacteria into two main groups: Gram-positive and Gram-negative.

Gram-positive Bacteria

Bacteria that stain purple and have a thick cell wall (peptidoglycan) and teichoic acid.

Gram-negative Bacteria

Bacteria that stain pink and have a thin cell wall (peptidoglycan) and lipopolysaccharides, with no teichoic acid.

Culture Medium

A specific nutritional medium that supports the growth of microorganisms by providing the necessary growth requirements.

Agar

A complex polysaccharide used as a solidifying agent for culture media.

Selective Medium

A type of bacteriologic medium that prevents the growth of unwanted microbes through specific inhibitors like salt and antibiotics.

Differential Medium

A type of medium that enables easy distinction between related bacteria or colonies.