Pathogens and Their Characteristics

This flashcard set covers key vocabulary and concepts related to pathogens, their infections, virulence factors, and laboratory diagnosis.

Gram-positive

Bacteria that retain the crystal violet stain used in the Gram staining procedure, appearing purple under a microscope.

Listeria monocytogenes

A pathogenic bacterium associated with listeriosis, affecting mainly ruminants and humans.

Facultative anaerobes

Organisms that can grow in both the presence and absence of oxygen.

Beta hemolytic

Refers to bacteria that completely lyse red blood cells on blood agar, producing a clear zone around colonies.

Virulence factors

Molecular attributes of a pathogen that enable it to cause disease.

Erysipelothrix rhusiopathiae

The causative agent of swine erysipelas, a disease marked by diamond-shaped skin lesions.

Caseous Lymphadenitis

An abscess caused by Corynebacterium pseudotuberculosis, leading to localized inflammation and pus formation in lymph nodes.

Acid-fast

A property of certain bacteria, primarily mycobacteria, that resist decolorization by acids during staining.

Tuberculosis

A chronic infectious disease caused by Mycobacterium species, affecting various animals and characterized by the formation of tubercles.

Dermatophilosis

A skin condition caused by Dermatophilus species, often resulting in exudative epidermitis and crusting.

Mycolic acid

Long-chain fatty acids found in the cell wall of Mycobacterium, contributing to its virulence and resistance.