Chapter 10: Infectious Diseases – Key Vocabulary

Vocabulary flashcards that summarize essential terms, pathogens, diagnostic methods, and stages of infection discussed in the Chapter 10 lecture on infectious diseases.

Droplet infection

Transmission of pathogens in respiratory droplets expelled during coughing or sneezing (e.g., mumps).

Mumps

A viral illness spread by droplet infection that classically causes parotid gland swelling.

Protozoan infection

Disease produced by single-celled eukaryotes such as Giardia, Leishmania, or Plasmodium.

Giardiasis

Intestinal protozoan infection by Giardia lamblia, leading to foul diarrhea and malabsorption.

Enterobiasis

Pinworm (Enterobius vermicularis) helminth infection that causes perianal itching.

Staphylococcus aureus (antibiotic-resistant)

Gram-positive bacterium capable of developing multidrug resistance, exemplified by MRSA.

Nuchal rigidity

Painful neck stiffness that is a hallmark clinical sign of meningitis.

Leishmaniasis

Sand-fly–borne protozoan disease preventable with insect repellent and avoiding vector-infested areas.

Typhoid serology

Diagnosis of Salmonella typhi by detecting specific serum antibodies (e.g., Widal test).

Respiratory epithelial cells

Airway lining cells that secrete interferons, providing innate antiviral defense.

Pseudomonas aeruginosa predisposing factors

Hospital interventions such as urinary catheterization and contaminated nebulizers that heighten infection risk.

Legionnaire’s disease test

Identification of Legionella pneumophila via specific antibody titers or urine antigen detection.

Erythema infectiosum (Fifth disease)

Childhood parvovirus B19 illness characterized by a “slapped-cheek” facial rash.

Rubella teratogenicity

Congenital rubella syndrome causing fetal microcephaly, cataracts, heart defects, and deafness.

Malaria blood changes

RBC invasion by Plasmodium leads to anemia and elevated bilirubin levels.

Spanish flu

The 1918 H1N1 influenza A pandemic that caused millions of deaths worldwide.

Neisseria meningitidis reservoir

Human nasopharynx—the exclusive natural habitat of the meningococcus.

Prions

Infectious, misfolded proteins lacking nucleic acid; agents of diseases like Creutzfeldt-Jakob.

Category A hemorrhagic viruses

Ebola and Marburg viruses, highly virulent and stable as small-particle aerosols for bioterrorism.

Variant Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease sign

Progressive jerky muscle movements (myoclonus) seen in vCJD.

Tapeworm diagnosis

Confirmation of cestode infection through stool ova-and-parasite examination.

Coccidioidomycosis

Fungal lung disease acquired by inhaling airborne Coccidioides spores from soil.

Vaginal candidiasis after antibiotics

Opportunistic overgrowth of Candida due to elimination of protective Lactobacillus flora during long-term antibiotic use.

Culture and sensitivity test

Laboratory procedure that identifies microbes and determines their antibiotic susceptibility profile.

Serological testing

Laboratory analysis measuring antibody titers, immunoglobulin levels, or detecting antigens to diagnose infection.

Emerging infectious disease

Illness that is newly recognized, reappearing, antibiotic-resistant, or arising from lapses in public health measures.

Incubation period

Time span between pathogen entry and onset of first clinical symptoms.

Prodromal stage

Early phase of vague, nonspecific symptoms preceding full manifestation of disease.

Convalescent stage

Period of gradual recovery when symptoms abate and tissue repair occurs.

Resolution phase

Final stage in which the infection is eliminated and physiological homeostasis is restored.