Chapter 14

Bacterium

a member of a large group of unicellular microorganisms which have cell walls but lack organelles and an organized nucleus, including some that can cause disease.

Immunization

The process of conferring immunity to a pathogen by administering a vaccine to a person.

Protozoan

A microscopic single-celled organism that often produces recurrent, cyclical attacks of disease

Fungus

A single-celled or multicelled organism that reproduces by spores and feeds on organic matter; examples include molds, mushrooms, and yeasts. Fungal diseases include yeast infections, athlete’s foot, and ringworm.

Systemic Infection

An infection spread by the blood or lymphatic system to large portions of the body.

Adaptive Immunity

Immunity to infection acquired by the activation of antigen-specific lymphocytes in response to infection or immunization. Adaptive immunity results in immunological memory.

Pneumonia

Inflammation of the lungs, typically caused by infection or exposure to chemical toxins or irritants.

Influenza

Infection of the respiratory tract by the influenza virus, which is highly infectious and prone to variation; the form changes rapidly; commonly known as the flu.

Epidemic

A rapidly spreading disease or health-related condition.

Virus

A very small infectious agent composed of nucleic acid (DNA or RNA) surrounded by a protein coat; lacks an independent metabolism and reproduces only within a host cell.

HIV Infection

A chronic, progressive viral infection that damages the immune system.

HIV Antibody Test

A blood test to determine whether a person has been infected with HIV; becomes positive within weeks or months of exposure.

Pelvic Inflammatory Disease

An ascending infection that progresses from the vagina and cervix to the uterus, oviducts, and pelvic cavity.

Pneumocystis Pneumonia

A fungal infection common in people infected with HIV.

Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome

An advanced stage of HIV infection.

Kaposi’s Sarcoma

A form of cancer characterized by purple or brownish lesions that are generally painless and occur anywhere on the skin; usually appears in persons infected with HIV.

Human Papillomavirus

The pathogen that causes human warts, including genital warts, as well as anal and genital cancers.

Gonorrhea

A sexually transmitted bacterial infection caused by the bacterium Neisseria gonorrhoeae that usually affects mucous membranes.

Urethritis

Inflammation of the tube that carries urine from the bladder to the outside opening.

HIV Nucleic Acid Test

A test used to detect the presence of HIV RNA and to determine the viral load (the amount of HIV in the blood). Can usually detect HIV within 1-4 weeks after infection; the test is not expensive and not routinely used for initial screening

Syphilis

A sexually transmitted bacterial infection caused by the spirochete Treponema pallidum.

Bacterial vaginosis

A condition that may be linked to sexual activity; caused by an overgrowth of certain bacteria inhabiting the vagina.

Genital warts

A sexually transmitted viral infection characterized by growths on the genitals; also called genital HPV infection or condyloma. Persistence of HPV infection predisposes the infected person to some forms of genital cancers.

Scabies

A contagious skin disease caused by a type of burrowing parasitic mite.

Hepatitis

Inflammation of the liver, which can be caused by infection, drugs, or toxins; some forms of infectious hepatitis can be transmitted sexually.

Laparoscopy

A method of examining the internal organs by inserting a tube containing a small light through an abdominal incision.

Pubic lice

Parasites that infest the hair of the pubic region; commonly called crabs.

Genital Herpes

A sexually transmitted infection caused by the herpes simplex virus.

Chancre

The sore produced by syphilis in its earliest stage.

Trichomoniasis

A protozoal infection caused by Trichomonas vaginalis, most commonly transmitted sexually.