Public Health and Infectious Diseases

A comprehensive set of vocabulary flashcards covering key concepts, terms, and definitions related to public health and infectious diseases.

Infectious Diseases

Diseases caused by pathogenic microorganisms, such as bacteria, viruses, fungi, or parasites.

Germ Theory

The theory that microorganisms cause disease, proven by Robert Koch's postulates.

Koch's Postulates

Four criteria established by Robert Koch to prove the causal relationship between a microbe and a disease.

Cycle of Transmission

The method by which infectious diseases are transmitted, including the agent, susceptible host, and portals of entry and exit.

Reservoir

The natural habitat in which a pathogen lives and multiplies.

Portal of Exit

The path by which a pathogen leaves its host or reservoir to infect a new host.

Portal of Entry

The route through which a pathogen enters a susceptible host.

Host Resistance

The ability of a host to resist an infection or disease.

Herd Immunity

The protection of a population from infectious diseases when a sufficient percentage of individuals are immune.

Vaccination

The administration of a vaccine to stimulate an individual's immune system to develop protection against a disease.

Antibiotic Resistance

The ability of bacteria and other microbes to resist the effects of drugs that once killed them or inhibited their growth.

Surveillance and Response

Monitoring infectious disease cases and responding to outbreaks through public health strategies.

Quarantine

The isolation of individuals who may have been exposed to a contagious disease to prevent its spread.

Epidemic

A sudden increase in the number of cases of a disease above what is normally expected in a population.

Zoonotic Transmission

The transfer of pathogens from animals to humans.

Polio

A viral infectious disease that can lead to paralysis and is primarily transmitted through oral-fecal routes.

Measles

A highly contagious viral disease characterized by a skin rash and respiratory symptoms.

Public Health Infrastructure

The system of agencies and organizations that provide health care services and promote health in the community.

Infection Control

Strategies and practices employed to prevent the spread of infections in health care settings.