Microbiology Exam 3 Study Guide

These flashcards cover key concepts and terminology related to antimicrobial control, chemotherapy, and the immune response as outlined in the microbiology exam study guide.

Sterilization

The process of destroying all forms of microbial life, including spores.

Disinfection

The process that eliminates many or all microorganisms, with the exception of bacteria spores, from inanimate objects.

Decontamination

The process of removing or neutralizing contaminants that cause infection; also known as sanitization.

Sanitization

Reduction of microbial populations to levels considered safe by public health standards.

Antisepsis

The process of applying an antimicrobial agent to living tissues to prevent infection.

Degermination

The process of removing microorganisms from a limited area, such as skin, through mechanical scrubbing or the use of antiseptics.

Germicide

A chemical agent that kills microorganisms.

Sporicide

An agent capable of destroying bacterial endospores.

Bactericide

Chemical that destroys bacteria, except for those in endospore stage.

Fungicide

Chemical that can kill fungal spores, hyphae, and yeasts.

Virucide

A chemical known to inactivate viruses, especially on living tissue.

Asepsis

Any practice that prevents the entry of infectious agents into sterile tissues.

Sepsis

The growth of microorganisms in the blood and other tissues.

Bacteristatic

Chemical agent that prevents the growth of bacteria on tissues or objects.

Fungistatic

Chemical that inhibits fungal growth.

Kirby-Bauer Technique

A method used to determine the sensitivity of bacteria to antibiotics by measuring zones of inhibition.

Therapeutic Index

The ratio between the toxic dose and the effective dose of a drug; a measure of drug safety.

Selective Toxicity

The ability of a drug to harm the pathogen without harming the host.

Broad-Spectrum Antibiotics

Antibiotics that are effective against a wide variety of bacteria.

Narrow-Spectrum Antibiotics

Antibiotics that are effective against a specific group of bacteria.

Antifungal Drugs

Drugs designed to treat fungal infections.

Antihelminthic Drugs

Drugs designed to treat infections caused by parasitic worms.

Antiviral Drugs

Drugs that treat viral infections by inhibiting viral replication.

Drug Resistance

The ability of microorganisms to withstand the effects of medications that once could successfully treat them.

Probiotics

Live microorganisms that provide health benefits to the host when administered.

Prebiotics

Substances that induce the growth or activity of beneficial microorganisms.

Hyposensitivity

Immune system underactivity leading to increased susceptibility to infections.

Hypersensitivity

Exaggerated immune response to an antigen, leading to allergies.

Endotoxins

Components of the outer membrane of Gram-negative bacteria that can trigger a strong immune response.

Exotoxins

Toxins secreted by bacteria that can cause damage to the host.

Pathogenicity

The potential of a microorganism to cause disease.

Virulence

The degree of pathogenicity of a microbe.

Infectious Dose (ID)

The minimum number of pathogens required to cause an infection.

Incubation Phase

The period from initial exposure to the appearance of symptoms.

Prodromal Stage

The period marked by early signs and symptoms of disease.

Acute Phase

The period during which the infection is at its peak, and symptoms are most severe.

Convalescent Period

The phase of recovery following an illness.

Fever

An elevation of body temperature as part of the immune response.

Lymphadenitis

Swelling of lymph nodes often associated with infection.

Healthcare-Associated Infections (HAIs)

Infections acquired during a hospital stay.

Vertical Transmission

Transmission of infection from parent to offspring.

Horizontal Transmission

Transmission of infection from one individual to another.

Microbial Control Methods

Strategies to reduce or eliminate microbial populations.

Epidemiology

The study of how diseases affect the health and illness of populations.

Herd Immunity

Resistance to the spread of disease within a population that results from a high proportion of individuals being immune.

Immunopathology

The study of diseases related to dysfunction of the immune system.

Type I Hypersensitivity

Immediate allergic reactions mediated by IgE.

Anaphylaxis

A severe, potentially fatal allergic reaction.