Med Term - Infection (Terms)

acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS)

AIDS; severe infection caused by the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) which results in a gradual destruction the immune system, making it harder for the body to fight infection; body system: blood/lymph and STD; infection type: viral; organism: human immunodeficiency virus; tx: antiretrovirals

anthrax

infection caused by a spore-forming bacteria and mainly affects livestock; humans can contract infection by direct or indirect contact with sickened animals who carry the spores; inhaled anthrax spores are most serious to humans; body system: blood/lymph; infection type: bacterial; organism: Bacillus anthracis; tx: antibiotics

bacteremia

presence of bacteria in the blood as the result of infection; often causes no symptoms; body system: blood/lymph; infection type: bacterial; organism: staphylococci/streptococci; tx: antibiotics

bacteriuria

presence of bacteria in the urine caused by infection; often without any symptoms of a urinary tract infection; body system: urinary; infection type: bacterial; organism: Escherichia coli (E-coli); tx: antibiotics

botulism

type of poisoning produced by an infection of Clostridium botulinum that releases deadly toxins; often caused by ingestion of contaminated food; body system: blood/lymph; infection type: bacterial; organism: Clostridium botulinum; tx: antitoxins

carbuncle

bacterial skin infection formed as a collection of boils that connect beneath the skin; body system: skin; infection type: bacterial; organism: staphylococcus; tx: antibiotics

cellulitis

spreading bacterial infection of the skin and the connective tissue just beneath the skin; body system: skin; infection type: bacterial; organism: staphylococcus/streptococcus; tx: antibiotics

chancres

small infected ulcers on the skin; symptom of syphilis; body system: STD; infection type: bacterial; organism: Treponema pallidum; tx: antibiotics

chicken pox

viral infection that produces an itchy red rash that progresses into fluid filled blisters; body system: blood/lymph; infection type: viral; organism: varicella zoster virus;

cholera

acute bacterial infection most commonly spread through contaminated water; severe diarrhea and dehydration can quickly become fatal if not treated; body system: digestive; infection type: bacterial; organism: Vibrio Cholerae; tx: rehydration/antibiotics

clostridium difficile

C. diff; bacterial infection causing diarrhea and serious colon inflammation; common after antibiotic use; body system: digestive; infection type: bacterial; organism: Clostridium difficile; tx: antibiotic (change from the first)

coccidioidomycosis

upper respiratory tract infection caused by the inhalation of fungal spores; may spread to other organs; valley fever; body system: respiratory; infection type: fungal; organism: Coccidioides immitis / Coccidioides posadasii; tx: antifungals

conjunctivitis

infection causing inflammation of the conjunctiva; pinkeye; body system: eye; infection type: bacterial/viral; organism: staphylococci/streptococci; tx: antibiotics

coryza

inflammation of mucous membrane inside the nose caused by a viral infection; common head cold; body system: respiratory; infection type: viral; organism: rhinovirus;

croup

inflammation of the respiratory tract caused by a viral infection; characterized by a barking cough due to swelling of the larynx; body system: respiratory; infection type: viral; organism: parainfluenza virus; tx: corticosteroids

diphtheria

bacterial infection that releases toxins which affect the mucous membranes of the throat and nose; characterized by thick secretion that covers the back of the throat and may block the airway; body system: blood/lymph; infection type: bacterial; organism: Corynebacterium diphtheriae; tx: antitoxins/antibiotics

dysentery

infection that causes inflammation of the intestines and produces bloody diarrhea; body system: digestive; infection type: bacterial/parasitic; organism: shigella bacteria / Entamoeba histolytica (protozoa); tx: rehydration

ebola

viral infection characterized by hemorrhagic fever (condition with severe bleeding, organ failure, and often death); initially spread by contact with contaminated animal feces or body fluids; once contracted, may be spread person to person via contact with body fluids; body system: blood/lymph; infection type: viral; organism: Ebola virus;

encephalitis

inflammation of the brain, resulting from a wide variety of infections; body system: neurology; infection type: bacterial/viral/fungal/parasitic; tx: antibiotics/antivirals

endocarditis

inflammation of the inner lining of the heart; usually brought on by a bacterial infection; body system: cardiovascular; infection type: bacterial; organism: Staphylococcus aureus; tx: antibiotics

fungemia

fungal infection in the bloodstream; body system: blood/lymph; infection type: fungal; organism: Candida; tx: antifungals

gastroenteritis

inflammation of the stomach and small intestine caused by a bacterial or viral infection;; body system: digestive; infection type: viral/bacterial/parasital; organism: Rotavirus / Norovirus / Salmonella/Escherichia coli (E-coli)/Clostridium difficile / Giardia/Cryptosporidium; tx: rehydration

genital herpes (herpes simplex virus - type 2)

HSV-2; common sexually transmitted infection that produces lesions in the genital area; body system: STD; infection type: viral; organism: herpes simplex virus - type 2; tx: antivirals

giardiasis

infection within the intestines caused by a protozoa usually found in contaminated water;; body system: digestive; infection type: parasitic; organism: giardia intestinalis or giardia lamblia; tx: rehydration; antibiotics

glomerulonephritis

inflammation of glomeruli within a kidney often caused by a viral or bacterial infection elsewhere in the body; body system: urinary; infection type: bacterial/viral; organism: Staphylococci; tx: varies depending on underlying condition

gonorrhea

bacterial infection that is characterized by ulcer-like lesions in the genital area and painful discharge; body system: STD; infection type: bacterial; organism: Neisseria gonorrhea; tx: antibiotics

hepatitis B

HBV; viral infection which causes inflammation of the liver; spread by contact with body fluids; may pass from mother to baby during delivery; body system: STD; infection type: viral; organism: hepatitis B virus; tx: antivirals

herpes simplex virus - type 1

HSV I; main cause of herpes infections on the mouth and lips; cold sores and fever blisters; body system: skin; infection type: viral; organism: herpes simplex virus - type I; tx: antivirals

herpes zoster (shingles)

painful, blistering skin rash resulting from a viral infection of the peripheral nerves; often appears as a line of blisters on the torso; same virus that causes chickenpox in childhood; body system: skin; infection type: viral; organism: varicella-zoster virus; tx: antivirals

human papilloma virus

HPV; sexualy transmitted viral infection characterized by genital warts (papillomas); some types of genital HPV can cause cancer of the cervix ; body system: STD; infection type: viral; organism: human papillomavirus; tx: medical removal if necessary

immunization

means by which one becomes protected from a disease; vaccines cause immunization; body system: general term;

impetigo

highly contagious skin infection characterized by red sores that eventually erupt and develop a honey-yellow crust; body system: skin; infection type: bacterial; organism: Staphylococcus aureus or Group A Streptococcus; tx: antibiotics

influenza

highly contagious viral infection that affects the respiratory system by causing infalmmation of the mucous membranes; flu viruses are ever-changing with regular occurrences of new strains; flu; body system: blood/lymph; infection type: viral; organism: Influenza types A and B; tx: antivirals

legionellosis

severe form of pneumonia caused by legionella bacteria; commonly spread by inhaling water droplets that contain the bacteria; body system: respiratory; infection type: bacterial; organism: Legionella pneumophila; tx: antibiotics

Lyme disease

bacterial infection transmitted by the bite of infected ticks; characterized by fever, headache, and fatigue; if left untreated, may progress to more serious symptoms involving the heart, joints, or central nervous system; body system: blood/lymph; infection type: bacterial; organism: Borrelia burgdorferi (carried by ticks); tx: antibiotics

malaria

parasitic infection spread by infected mosquitoes; characterized by fever, fatigue, and shaking chills; body system: blood/lymph; infection type: parasitic; organism: Plasmodium parasite, carried by mosquitoes; tx: antimalarials

meningitis

inflammation of the meninges (brain's covering) resulting from a wide variety of infections; body system: neurology; infection type: bacterial/viral/fungal/parasitic; tx: antibiotics/antivirals

methicillin-resistant staphylococcus aureus

MRSA; a unique strain of the staphylococcus bacteria that has developed a resistance to certain forms of penicillin; body system: skin; infection type: bacterial; organism: Staphylococcus aureus; tx: antibiotics

mononucleosis

viral infection characterized by fatigue, sore throat, swollen lymph nodes, and enlarged spleen; body system: blood/lymph; infection type: viral; organism: Epstein Barr virus;

mumps

inflammation of the parotid (largest salivary) glands due to infection from the mumps virus; body system: blood/lymph; infection type: viral; organism: paramyxoviruses;

nosocomial infection

infection that is acquired by a patient while receiving care in a hospital; body system: general term;

oculomycosis

fungal infection of the eye; body system: eye; infection type: fungal; organism: Aspergillus/Candida; tx: antifungals

onychomycosis

fungal infection of the fingernails or toenails; body system: nail; infection type: fungal; organism: T rubrum/ T. interdigitale; tx: antifungals

opportunistic infection

a normally mild infection when present in a healthy individual but becomes pathogenic within the system of a person who has a compromised immune system; often seen in AIDS patients; body system: general term;

osteitis deformans (Pagets disease)

chronic condition brought on by a viral infection of bone which results in misshapen bones and acclerated bone loss; body system: Musculoskeletal; infection type: viral; organism: paramyxoviruses; tx: bone reabsorption inhibitors

osteomyelitis

bacterial bone infection characterized by inflammed red bone marrow; body system: Musculoskeletal; infection type: bacterial; organism: staphylococcus aureus; tx: antibiotics

otitis media (acute)

AOM; inflammation of the middle ear caused by a bacterial infection; ear infection; body system: ear; infection type: bacterial/viral; organism: Streptococcus pneumoniae, respiratory syncytial virus/rhinovirus; tx: antibiotics

pediculosis

highly contagious infection casued by lice infestation of the skin and hair; body system: skin; infection type: parasitic; organism: Phthiraptera; tx: antiparasitics

pertussis (whooping cough)

acute bacterial infection of the respiratory tract that is highly contagious; characterized by spasmodic, hacking cough followed by whooping noise upon breath intake; body system: respiratory; infection type: bacterial; organism: Bordetella pertussis; tx: antibiotics

plague

term for any widespread and usually highly contagious disease with a high fatality rate; body system: general term;

pneumococcal pneumonia

acute bacterial pneumonia caused by Streptococcus pneumoniae; body system: respiratory; infection type: bacterial; organism: Streptococcus pneumoniae; tx: antibiotics

pneumocystis carinii pneumonia

PCP; form of fungal pneumonia; often considered an oppotunistic infection as it may cause severe infections in patients with compromisedimmune systems; common in AIDS or chemotherapy patients; body system: respiratory; infection type: fungal; organism: P carinii; tx: antibiotics/corticosteroids

pneumonia

actue inflammation of the lungs due to infection; often accompanied by a build up of fluid or pus in the avleoli causing breathing difficulties; body system: respiratory; infection type: bacterial/virual/fungal/noninfectious causes; tx: depends on causative organism

poliomyelitis (polio)

viral infection resulting in inflammation of gray matter of the spinal cord; leads to muscle weakness and paralysis; body system: neurology; infection type: viral; organism: poliovirus;

pyosalpinx

accumulation of pus within a fallopian tube; often the product of a bacterial infection; body system: female; infection type: bacterial; organism: Neisseria gonorrhea, Staphylococci/Streptococci; tx: antibiotics

rabies

deadly viral infection spread from the saliva of infected animals often by way of a bite; affects the central nervous system; body system: blood/lymph; infection type: viral; organism: rabies virus; tx: rabies immune globulin

rhinomycosis

fungal infection of the mucous membrane of the nose; body system: respiratory; infection type: fungal; organism: Aspergillus; tx: antifungals

rubella (German measles)

viral infection characterized by a distinctive red rash; body system: blood/lymph; infection type: viral; organism: Rubivirus;

salmonellosis

common bacterial infection that affects the intestinal tract; type of food poisoning spread through contaminated food or water; body system: digestive; infection type: bacterial; organism: Salmonella; tx: anti-diarrheals/ antibiotics

scabies

skin infection caused by itch mite infestation; body system: skin; infection type: parasitic; organism: Sarcoptes scabiei; tx: antiparasitics

septicemia

infection caused by the presence of bacteria and their toxins in the bloodstream; systemic condition that usually originates from a bacterial infection in another part of the body; blood poisoning; body system: blood/lymph; infection type: bacterial; organism: Staphylococcus aureus; tx: antibiotics

severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS)

SARS; conatgious and sometimes fatal respiratory infection spread by airborne droplets; characterized by lung inflammation and damage; antiviral drugs have not proven to be beneficial treatment; body system: respiratory; infection type: viral; organism: coronavirus;

shingles (herpes zoster)

painful, blistering skin rash resulting from a viral infection of the peripheral nerves; often appears as a line of blisters on the torso; same virus that causeschickenpox in childhood; body system: neurology; infection type: viral; organism: varicella-zoster virus; tx: antivirals

staphylococcemia

presence of Staphylococci bacteria circulating in the blood; severity of symptoms vary depending on the location within the body; body system: blood/lymph; infection type: bacterial; organism: staphylococci; tx: antibiotics

syphilis

bacterial STD spread by direct sexual contact; characterized by; body system: STD; infection type: bacterial; organism: Treponema pallidum; tx: antibiotics

tetanus

serious bacterial disease caused by the toxins of Clostridium tetani; affects nervous system and is characterized by painful muscle contractions, especially in the jaw and neck; lockjaw; body system: blood/lymph; infection type: bacterial; organism: clostridium tetani; tx: antitoxins

tinea

fungal infection of the skin; ringworm; body system: skin; infection type: fungal; organism: tinea; tx: antifungals

toxic shock syndrome

TSS; sudden, potentially fatal condition characterized by high fever, skin rash, diarrhea, vomiting, and a severe drop in blood pressure; brought on by an overgrowth of bacteria; history of link to noncotton tampon use; body system: female; infection type: bacterial; organism: Staphylococcus aureus; tx: antibiotics

trichomoniasis

parasitic infection of the urethra and prostate gland in men often showing no symptoms; in women, it is characterized by vaginal discharge, genital itching, and painful urination; body system: STD; infection type: parasitic; organism: Trichomonas; tx: antibiotics

tuberculosis

TB; lung infection characterized by the formation of tubercles (soft nodules that break down respiratory tissues) ATB: active tuberculosis; bacteria are active and spreading in the body LTB: latent tuberculosis; bacteria are present but dormant (not causing symptoms); body system: respiratory; infection type: bacterial; organism: Mycobacterium tuberculosis; tx: antibiotics

upper respiratory infection

URI; viral infection of the nose, pharynx, larynx, and trachea; body system: respiratory; infection type: viral; organism: rhinovirus;

urinary tract infection

UTI; infection that can happen anywhere along the urinary tract; body system: urinary; infection type: bacterial; organism: Escherichia coli (E-coli);

vaccine

product that creates immunity from a disease; usually contains dead or weakened germs to help the body develop antibodies; body system: general term;

verruca (warts)

rough, elevated skin lesion caused by an infection from the Human Papilloma Virus; wart; body system: skin; infection type: viral; organism: human papillomavirus; tx: medical removal

viral pneumonia

pneumonia caused by a virus; body system: respiratory; infection type: viral; organism: Influenza A and B, Respiratory syncytial virus; tx: antivirals