Microbial Diseases of the Respiratory System

These flashcards cover various aspects of microbial diseases affecting the respiratory system, including definitions and key terms for student review.

Microbial Diseases of the Respiratory System

These diseases affect the respiratory system, caused by various microorganisms such as bacteria, viruses, and fungi.

Upper Respiratory System

Includes the nasal cavity, pharynx, and larynx; prone to infections.

Lower Respiratory System

Comprises the trachea, bronchi, bronchioles, and alveoli; infections can be more severe.

Pharyngitis

Inflammation of the pharynx, commonly referred to as a sore throat.

Laryngitis

Inflammation of the larynx, affecting voice production.

Tonsillitis

Inflammation of the tonsils, often caused by viral or bacterial infections.

Sinusitis

Inflammation of the sinus cavities, which can cause nasal congestion and pressure.

Epiglottitis

Swelling of the epiglottis that can block airflow; life-threatening condition.

Strep Throat

A bacterial infection caused by group A streptococci, leading to a sore throat.

Diphtheria

Serious bacterial infection caused by Corynebacterium diphtheriae, forming a membrane in the throat.

Whooping Cough

Highly contagious disease caused by Bordetella pertussis, characterized by severe coughing fits.

Ciliary Escalator

Mechanism that uses cilia to move mucus and trapped particles out of the respiratory system.

Alveolar Macrophages

Immune cells in the lungs that destroy pathogens and debris.

Normal Microbiota

The beneficial microorganisms residing in the upper and lower respiratory tracts.

Respiratory Mucus

Protective fluid that traps pathogens and contains antibodies.

Antigenic Drift

Minor changes in virus antigens, allowing the virus to evade some immune response.

Antigenic Shift

Significant changes in virus antigens that can lead to pandemics.

Pneumonia

Inflammation of the lungs, can be caused by bacteria, viruses, or fungi.

Rhinoviruses

Viruses responsible for approximately 30-50% of common colds.

Coronaviruses

Viruses that cause respiratory illnesses, including the common cold and COVID-19.

Chlamydophila pneumoniae

Bacteria that can cause atypical pneumonia, primarily affecting college students.

Coxiella burnetti

Bacteria responsible for Q fever, often associated with livestock.

H. influenzae

Bacteria that can cause pneumonia, particularly in young children and the elderly.

Mycoplasma pneumoniae

Bacteria known for causing walking pneumonia, primarily in adolescents and young adults.

Streptococcus pneumoniae

Bacteria that cause typical pneumonia and other respiratory infections.

Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV)

Common viral respiratory illness in infants and can cause severe pneumonia in older adults.

SARS-CoV-2

Virus responsible for the COVID-19 pandemic; emerged in late 2019.

Blastomyces dermatitidis

Fungus that causes blastomycosis, begins in the lungs and can spread throughout the body.

Pneumocystis jirovecii

Fungus causing pneumonia, especially in immunocompromised individuals.

DTaP Vaccine

Vaccine that protects against diphtheria, tetanus, and pertussis.

Erythrogenic toxin

Toxin produced by lysogenized Streptococcus pyogenes causing scarlet fever.

Antihistamines

Medications used to relieve symptoms of allergies and colds.

Influenza

Viral infection causing fever, chills, headache, and muscle aches.

Virulence Factors

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

GAS (Group A Streptococcus)

Bacterial strain involved in strep throat and other infections.

Corynebacterium diphtheriae

The bacterium that causes diphtheria, causing a thick gray membrane in the throat.

Pertussis toxin

Toxin produced by Bordetella pertussis that enters the bloodstream.

Viral Pneumonia

Pneumonia caused by viral infections, can occur as a complication of other viruses.

Pneumonia Symptoms

Common symptoms of pneumonia include cough, fever, chest pain, and difficulty breathing.

Treatment of Cold

Symptomatic relief using cough suppressants and antihistamines; antibiotics are ineffective.

Mucous Membranes

Tissue lining the respiratory tract that produces mucus for protection.

Cystic Fibrosis

Genetic disorder affecting respiratory and digestive systems, leading to thick mucus.

Sinus Infection

Infection causing inflammation of the sinuses, often leading to headaches and facial pain.

Acute Bronchitis

Inflammation of the bronchial tubes, usually following a cold or respiratory infection.

Chronic Bronchitis

Long-term inflammation of the bronchi, often due to smoking.

COVID-19 Symptoms

Symptoms can include fever, cough, fatigue, and loss of taste or smell.

Epidemiology of Pneumonia

Study of the occurrence, distribution, and control of pneumonia outbreaks.

Viral Load

The amount of virus in a person's body, often measured to assess severity of infection.

Preventative Measures

Actions taken to reduce the risk of respiratory infections, such as vaccination and hygiene.

Upper Respiratory Infections

Infections affecting the nose and throat, commonly viral in nature.

Conditional Pathogens

Microorganisms that are usually harmless but can cause disease in immunocompromised hosts.

Bacterial Superinfection

Secondary bacterial infection following a viral infection, such as after flu.

Vaccination Strategies

Plans implemented to immunize populations against infectious diseases.

Retroviruses

A type of virus that can integrate its genetic material into the host genome, such as HIV.