Bacteria and Disease

Disease

result of an undesirable relationshipbetweenthe host and the pathogen,markedby interruptionin the normal functioningof a body part or parts.

Infection

invasion of the body by pathogenic microorganisms. The term is not synonymous with disease.

Symbiosis

prolonged and close interactionbetweenorganisms of differentspecies.

Mutualism

a form of symbiosis in which both organisms benefit from the relationship.

Commensalism

a form of symbiosis in which one organism benefits from another organism without causing harm to it.

Parasitism

a form of symbiosis where one organism benefits from another organism and at the same time causes harm to the other.

Pathogenicity

ability of an organism to produce disease. An organism that can produce disease in humans is said to be pathogenic

Virulence

describes the degree of pathogenicity of an organism or the degree to which an organism can produce disease.

Contamination

presence of unwanted materials (chemical, biological, or radiological) where they should not be or at concentrations above the normal. The presence of these substances may not necessarily lead to harm.

Pollution

presence of contaminants that can cause adverse biological effects to humans and communities.

Bacteremia

presence of bacteria in the blood.

Septicemia

presence of actively multiplying bacteria in the blood, usually from a source of infection. The condition is called sepsis.

Pyemia

presence of pus producing bacteria in the bloodstream

Viremia

presence of viruses in the blood.

Toxemia

presence of toxins in the blood