test 4 micro

Epidermis

The outermost layer of skin, characterized by actively growing cells and a protective keratinized top layer.

Dermis

The layer of skin beneath the epidermis, composed of connective tissue, containing nerves, muscles, and glands.

Subcutaneous

The innermost layer of skin, which contains fat cells.

Keratinization

The process in which skin cells become filled with keratin and eventually die, contributing to skin's protective barrier.

Sebaceous secretions

Oil produced by sebaceous glands that helps maintain skin's low pH, inhibiting microbial growth.

Lysozymes

Antimicrobial enzymes found in sweat, tears, and saliva that help to inhibit microbial growth.

Staphylococcus epidermidis

A bacterium that is part of normal skin flora, utilizing skin nutrients and producing antimicrobial substances.

Propionibacterium acnes

A bacterium involved in acne development.

Staphylococcus aureus

A pathogen that can cause skin infections and is often found in abnormal skin flora.

Impetigo

A superficial skin infection characterized by peeling epidermis and pus-filled lesions, commonly caused by S. aureus.

Cellulitis

A painful skin infection that involves the dermal and subcutaneous layers, treated with antibiotics.

Scalded Skin Syndrome

A condition caused by S. aureus that results in widespread exfoliation of the skin and is serious in infants.

MRSA

Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus; a strain of S. aureus that is resistant to methicillin and poses treatment challenges.

Necrotizing fasciitis

A rapid, invasive infection known as "flesh-eating bacteria," often requiring surgical intervention.

Varicella-Zoster Virus

A herpesvirus that causes chickenpox and shingles.

Chickenpox

A highly contagious childhood disease characterized by a rash; can have serious complications in adults.

Shingles

Reactivation of the dormant chickenpox virus, usually in older adults or immunocompromised individuals.

Lyme Disease

Vector-borne disease caused by Borrelia burgdorferi, primarily transmitted by ticks.

Borrelia burgdorferi

A spirochete bacterium responsible for Lyme disease.

Smallpox Virus

The first disease eradicated through vaccination; caused by Variola virus.

Edward Jenner

The physician who developed the first smallpox vaccine.

Vaccinia virus

The virus used in the smallpox vaccine, derived from cowpox.

Gastric ulcers

Ulcers caused by Helicobacter pylori, a bacterium that can survive the acidic environment of the stomach.

Exotoxin

A toxin secreted by bacteria, often causing damage to the host.

Endotoxin

A toxic substance that is part of the bacterial cell wall and released upon destruction of the bacterium.

Helicobacter pylori

A gram-negative bacterium that causes gastric ulcers and is associated with stomach cancer.

Vibrio cholerae

A gram-negative bacterium that causes cholera, characterized by severe dehydration due to diarrhea.

Cholera toxin

An enterotoxin produced by Vibrio cholerae, which disrupts intestinal function.

Escherichia coli

Bacteria that can cause gastroenteritis; pathogenic strains can lead to severe diarrhea.

Salmonella

Bacteria that can cause gastroenteritis and typhoid fever, often transmitted through contaminated food.

Campylobacter jejuni

A gram-negative bacterium that is one of the most common causes of foodborne illness.

Clostridium difficile

A gram-positive bacterium causing antibiotic-associated diarrhea and colitis.

Rotavirus

A virus that causes viral gastroenteritis, particularly in children.

norovirus

A virus common in outbreaks of food poisoning, especially on cruise ships.

Food Poisoning

Illness caused by pre-formed toxins in contaminated food.

Mucociliary escalator

A defense mechanism in the respiratory tract that removes pathogens through cilia movement.

COVID-19

The disease caused by the novel coronavirus SARS-CoV-2.

SARS-CoV-2

The virus responsible for COVID-19, a positive-stranded RNA virus.

Influenza

An infectious disease caused by influenza viruses, characterized by respiratory symptoms.

Pneumonia

Inflammation of the lungs, commonly caused by bacteria or viruses.

Mycobacterium tuberculosis

The bacterium that causes tuberculosis; characterized by its acid-fastness and resistance to treatment.

Bordetella pertussis

The bacterium that causes whooping cough, characterized by severe coughing spells.

Rhinoviruses

The most common viruses responsible for the common cold.

Genital Herpes

A sexually transmitted infection caused by herpes simplex viruses, leading to painful genital sores.

Human Papillomavirus (HPV)

A common sexually transmitted virus that can lead to genital warts and cervical cancer.

Zika virus

A virus transmitted primarily by mosquitoes, associated with birth defects when contracted during pregnancy.

HIV

Human Immunodeficiency Virus, which causes AIDS and weakens the immune system.

Highly Active Anti-Retroviral Therapy (HAART)

Effective treatment for HIV/AIDS that combines multiple antiretroviral drugs.

Soil microbiome

The community of microorganisms found in soil, crucial for soil health and ecosystems.

Biogeochemical cycles

Natural processes through which nutrients cycle in the environment, including carbon and nitrogen cycles.

Mycorrhizae

Symbiotic association between fungi and plant roots, enhancing nutrient uptake.

Nitrogen-Fixing bacteria

Bacteria such as Rhizobium that convert atmospheric nitrogen into a form usable by plants.

Virulence factors

Molecules produced by pathogens that enhance their ability to cause disease.

Pathogen recognition

The ability of an organism (e.g., plants) to identify and respond to microbial invaders.

Phytoalexins

Antimicrobial compounds produced by plants in response to pathogen attack.

Hypersensitive response

A rapid cell death response by plants to limit pathogen spread.