Microbiology and Infection Practice Flashcards

Practice flashcards covering key definitions, terms, prokaryotic and eukaryotic characteristics, classification of bacteria, and stages/chain of infection based on lecture notes.

Microorganism

An individual living animal or plant that is so small it can be seen only with the aid of a microscope.

Endemic

Organisms present all or most of the time in and on the body.

Microbiology

The scientific study of microorganisms.

Pathogens

Harmful or disease-producing microorganisms.

Obligate aerobes

Microorganisms that require oxygen for growth.

Obligate anaerobes

Microorganisms that cannot survive in the presence of oxygen.

Parasites

Microorganisms that live on or within the host.

Saprophytes

Microorganisms that live off the organic remains of dead plants and animals.

Culture

Microbes grown under controlled conditions in the laboratory in order to determine ways in which to arrest their growth.

Culture medium

The material in or on which microorganisms are placed to grow.

Culture + Sensitivity (C+S) test

A test ordered when infection is suspected or known that identifies the pathogenic microorganism, determines treatment, and monitors response to therapy.

Genus

The part of a biological name referring to a general grouping.

Species

The part of a biological name defining a biologically unique category.

Eukaryotes

Organisms with a true nucleus enclosed by a nuclear membrane and containing chromosomes that divide by mitosis.

Prokaryotes

Very small organisms (bacteria and cyanobacteria) with a rigid cell wall but no nucleus, consisting of a cell envelope, appendages, and cytoplasmic region.

Mycosis

An infection caused by a fungus, also known as a mycotic infection.

Mycology

The study of fungi.

Candida albicans

A pathogenic yeast that requires sugar, reproduces by budding, and causes thrush.

Histoplasmosis

An infection caused by molds that affects the lungs.

Protozoa

Single-celled eukaryotic microorganisms such as amoebas and paramecia.

Coccus

A round or spherical bacterium.

Bacillus

A rod-shaped bacterium.

Spirillum

A spiral-shaped bacterium.

Conjugation

A mode of bacterial DNA transfer where DNA crosses a sex pilus to a new cell via cell-to-cell contact.

Transduction

A bacterial gene transfer mechanism where genes are transferred by a virus.

Transformation

A bacterial gene transfer process where DNA is acquired from the environment after being released by another cell.

Spore

A dormant phase developed by certain bacteria under unfavorable conditions that allows them to survive extreme conditions.

Viruses

Protein-covered sacs containing genetic material of either DNA or RNA and other organic materials that rely on a host cell to reproduce.

NDM

New Delhi metallo-beta-lactamase, made by gram-negative organisms such as E. coli and Klebsiella pneumoniae.

Epidemic

A situation where a large number of people in the same area are infected in a relatively short time.

Chain of Infection

A series of linked factors—causative agent, reservoir, portal of exit, vehicle, portal of entry, and susceptible host—required for disease to spread.

Reservoir

Any place (living beings or inanimate objects) where a pathogen can survive before moving to another place to multiply.

Portal of Exit

The route by which a pathogen escapes from a reservoir, including all body orifices and natural body fluids.

Portal of Entry

The place where a pathogen gains access to a host, such as respiratory, gastrointestinal, urinary, or reproductive systems, and breaks in skin or mucous membranes.

Endotoxins

Toxins that are part of the cell walls of gram-negative bacteria, released when the microorganism dies and the cell wall decays.

Exotoxins

Toxins manufactured by a microorganism and excreted into surrounding tissue.

Incubation Stage

The period from when the pathogen enters the body to the appearance of the first symptoms of illness.

Prodromal Stage

The period from the onset of initial symptoms to more severe symptoms.

Full Stage of Infection

The stage of infection where symptoms are acute and specific to the type of infection.

Convalescence Stage

The stage of infection where acute symptoms subside and the person recovers.

Virulence

Pathogen strength.