WCHS Mrs.McCormick PLTW PBS Principles of Biomedical Science 3.1.1-3.1.3 Quiz

What does an epidemiologist do?

Study trends in health issues in populations and deploy public announcements, education initiatives, and protocols to protect the health of the nation

What do emergency communications specialists do?

Answer emergency and non-emergency calls, and dispatches the appropriate services

Endemic

A disease perpetually present in a community or population within a specific geographic area

Outbreak

A sudden increase in the occurrence of a disease in a localized area

Pandemic

An epidemic that has spread across several countries or continents and affects a large number of people

Nosocomial

An infection acquired in a hospital; Also known as a hospital-acquired infection (HAI)

What are the most common nosocomial infections?

Pneumonia, gastrointestinal infections, urinary tract infections (UTI), and skin and soft tissue infections

Important characteristics of an epidemiologist

Critical thinker, organized, and strategically communicative

Why does an epidemiologist have to be so strategic with their communication?

So they can alert people about an infection or possible outbreak as quickly and efficiently as possible

How is a prion contracted?

By eating meat tainted with prions

What damage do prions cause?

They cause normal proteins to fold abnormally

How are prions diagnosed?

MRI, EEG, or cerebrospinal fluid analysis

Example of a prion

CJD

Virus description

Non-living, microscopic agents made up of an outer protein shell

How are viruses prevented?

TAntivirals, over-the-counter medicine (to relieve symptoms), vaccines, and proper hygiene

Virus example

Influenza

Bacteria description

Living, microscopic, unicellular, prokaryotic organisms

How is bacteria prevented?

Vaccines, maintenance of sanitary conditions, and proper personal hygiene

Bacteria example

Tuberculosis (TB)

Protists description

Living, microscopic, single-celled, eukaryotic, animal-like organisms

How are protists contracted?

Ingestion of food or water contaminated with feces

What damage do protists cause?

Deprivation of essential nutrients and tissue or organ damage

How are protists diagnosed?

Microscopic examination of fecal material

How are protists treated?

Antiprotozoal medicine

Protists example

Giardia lamblia causing giardaisis

Fungi description

Living, multicellular, eukaryotic organisms

How are fungi contracted?

Inhalation or landing on a host

How are fungi prevented?

Antifungals or avoiding contact with an infected host

Fungi example

Tinea pedis causing athlete’s foot

Helminthes description

Living, multicellular, eukaryotic worms (microscopic and macroscopic)

How are helminthes contracted?

Through contaminated food or water or being bit by an infected insect

How are helminthes diagnosed?

Microscopic examination of fecal material or blood testing

How are helminthes prevented?

Deworming medication, avoiding contaminated food, and avoiding insect bites

Helminthes examples

Taenia

What are normal flora/microbiota

The bacteria that live in and on us, and outnumber us in terms of cell numbers in our body. They also help with food digestion, protect us from invading organisms, and provide us with vitamins needed to stay healthy

How might the condition of a host affect how successful a pathogen is at causing disease?

If the host is healthy, then the pathogen most likely wouldn’t survive, or at least not for a long time

Chain of infection

Agent→Reservoir→Portal of Exit→Transmission→Portal of Entry→ Susceptible Host

Possible ways to break the chain of infection

• Proper personal hygiene

• Staying home when you’re sick

• Getting your vaccines

• Using proper PPE for all medical staff

• Clean/disinfect the surfaces or things that came in contact

Innate immunity

Immune mechanisms that you are born with

Acquired immunity

Immunity gained over a lifetime and uses antibodies to respond to specific organisms

Herd immunity

Resistance to the spread of an infectious disease within a population that is based on pre-existing immunity of a high proportion of individuals as a result of previous infection or vaccination

What do computer scientists do?

Use their skills in programming, data analysis, and problem solving to design, develop, and maintain software, networks, and computing systems

What does a virologist do?

Investigate the structure, replication, and effects of viruses on living organisms, including humans

What is R-naught?

A term used to measure how infectious an agent of disease is

Infection

The establishment of a disease-causing microorganism within a host

Disease

A disorder of structure or function in an organism that results in specific signs or symptoms

Direct Contact

Disease transmission that occurs when susceptible host touches an infected individual or is exposed to their body fluids

Indirect Contact

Disease transmission that occurs when a susceptible host inhales infected particles, touches an infected object, or is bitten by an infected insect

Innate Immunity

Non-specific immune defense mechanisms that we are born with. These mechanisms work to keep anything outside of us from coming in

Acquired Immunity

Specific immune defense mechanisms. This form of immunity is acquired over a lifetime and uses antibodies to respond to specific antigens

T-Cells

A type of white blood cell produced by the thymus and involved in the immune response

B-Cells

A type of white blood cell that mature in bone marrow and produces antibodies

Antibody

A protein produced by B cells in the blood; works to impair pathogens. Also called an immunoglobulin

Antigen

Anything that stimulates an immune response

Chance-Recover

The likelihood that an infected individual will recover

Vaccination-Rate

The percent of the population that receives a vaccination for the virus