Microbial Pathogens Exam 1

Vocabulary flashcards generated from introductory microbiology pre-work notes covering disease terminology, host types, toxins, and transmission routes.

A-B exotoxins

Exotoxins consisting of two parts: an active component (A) and a binding component (B); an example is botulinum toxin.

Acute disease

A short-term disease that develops rapidly, such as Strep throat.

Antigenic drift

Small, gradual viral mutations in genes.

Antigenic shift

Major, sudden change in a virus caused by gene reassortment.

Antigenic variation

Changes in surface molecules or antigens recognized by the immune system.

Asymptomatic (Subclinical)

Infection or disease state in which the host does not have symptoms.

Bacteremia

The presence of bacteria in the bloodstream.

Passive carrier

An individual who carries and spreads a pathogen without being infected.

Active carrier

An infected individual who is actively spreading the pathogen.

Asymptomatic carrier

An infected individual who shows no symptoms but can spread the pathogen.

Chronic disease

A disease that develops slowly and lasts for a long time.

Communicable disease

A disease that can be transmitted from a person, animal, or reservoir to another.

Contagious disease

A disease that easily transmits from person to person.

Convalescence

The period of recovery after disease symptoms improve.

Definitive host

The host in which a parasite reaches sexual maturity or adulthood.

Intermediate host

The host in which a parasite undergoes development but does not reach sexual maturity.

Emerging infections

Newly appearing infections or those with rising incidence.

Reemerging infections

Infections that decreased in incidence and then increased again.

Endemic diseases

Diseases that are consistently present at a particular level in a particular geographic population or region.

Endotoxin

A toxin located in the outer membrane of Gram-negative bacteria, specifically Lipid A of LPS.

Enterotoxin

A toxin that specifically affects the intestines.

Epidemic diseases

Diseases occurring at a higher rate than expected in a population.

Etiologic agent (Causative agent)

The microorganism responsible for causing a disease.

Exoenzymes

Enzymes secreted outside of host or bacterial cells.

Exotoxins

Toxins produced and secreted by bacteria that damage host cells.

Iatrogenic disease

A disease contracted as a result of surgical, dental, or medical tools and procedures.

Incidence

The number of new cases of a disease in a given population.

Incubation period

The time from initial exposure to a pathogen until the first appearance of symptoms.

Infectious disease

A disease caused by a pathogenic microorganism.

Latent diseases

Diseases in which the pathogen remains inactive or dormant for a period of time.

Morbidity

State of illness or disease within a population.

Mortality

Death caused by a disease.

Mycotoxins

Toxins produced by fungi.

Neurotoxin

A toxin that damages or interferes with the nervous system.

Noncommunicable disease

A disease that cannot be transmitted between hosts.

Nosocomial diseases

Diseases acquired from a hospital visit.

Pathogenicity (Pathogenesis)

The ability of a microorganism to cause disease and the process of disease development.

Vertical transmission

Transmission of a pathogen from mother to offspring.

Horizontal transmission

Transmission of a pathogen between individuals of the same generation.