Development of Infectious Diseases

Vocabulary flashcards on the principles, stages, transmission modes, and defense mechanisms involved in the development of infectious diseases based on Miller Chapter 3.

Infectious Diseases

Conditions that occur when pathogens in the body multiply and cause damage to tissues.

Endogenous Infection

An infection that occurs when usual microorganisms in the body cause an infection.

Exogenous Infection

An infection caused by foreign microorganisms external to the body.

Incubation Period

The stage from initial pathogenic entrance to the body to when first symptoms appear.

Prodromal Stage

The stage of an infectious disease characterized by the appearance of early symptoms.

Acute Stage

The stage of an infectious disease where symptoms are maximally obvious.

Convalescent Stage

The recovery phase of an infectious disease, during which some persons may never fully recover.

Fomite

An inanimate object involved in indirect contact mode of transmission.

Droplet Spatter

Droplets emitted during transmission that are $> 5\,\mu\text{m}$ in size.

Droplet Particle / Aerosol

A droplet particle or aerosol that is $< 5\,\mu\text{m}$ in size.

Innate Defenders

Host defense mechanisms with four properties that are always active, including physical, mechanical, chemical, and cellular barriers.

Acquired Defenders

Host defense mechanisms that must be activated by antigens, involving cell-mediated (T-lymphocytes) and antibody-mediated (B-lymphocytes) responses.

Inoculation

Putting an antigen in the body to simulate an immune response.

Immunization

The process where the body learns to fight disease, which often needs boosters to maintain protection.

Artificial Immunity

Immunity attained when an individual is vaccinated against a specific disease.

Chain of Infection

The sequential model of infection spread consisting of pathogenic agent, reservoir, portal of exit, mode of spread, portal of entry, and susceptible host.