Infection and Human Immunodeficiency Virus Infection

These flashcards cover key concepts related to infections, particularly focusing on HIV and its implications.

Infection

The invasion of the body by pathogenic organisms that can lead to disease.

Bacteria

Single-celled organisms that can be beneficial or harmful, often causing infections.

Virus

A non-cellular infectious agent that can only replicate within a host cell.

Fungi

Organisms similar to plants that lack chlorophyll and can cause infections.

Protozoa

Single-celled organisms that can cause a variety of diseases.

Prions

Infectious proteins that can cause degenerative diseases in the nervous system.

Emerging Infections

Infectious diseases that have recently increased in incidence or threaten to do so.

Reemerging Infections

Diseases that were previously under control but are now increasing in incidence.

Antibiotic Resistant Organisms

Pathogens that have developed resistance to antibiotics, making them harder to treat.

Standard Precautions

Infection control practices used for all patients, regardless of their infection status.

Transmission-Based Precautions

Additional precautions based on how infections are spread, including airborne, droplet, and contact precautions.

Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome (AIDS)

A condition diagnosed when an individual with HIV develops certain opportunistic infections or has a CD4 count below a specific threshold.

HIV

Human Immunodeficiency Virus, a virus that attacks the immune system and can lead to AIDS.

Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP)

A preventive treatment for individuals at high risk of contracting HIV.

Viral Load

The amount of HIV virus present in the bloodstream, an important measure in monitoring HIV treatment.

CD4 T-cell Count

A measure of immune function in individuals with HIV, used to assess disease progression.

Opportunistic Infections

Infections that occur more frequently and are more severe in individuals with weakened immune systems.