chapter15

Zoonotic diseases

Diseases that are transmitted from animals to humans.

Antigenic variation

The ability of a pathogen to change its surface proteins to evade the host's immune response.

Focal infection

An infection that originates in one location but spreads to other parts of the body.

Diarrhea

A symptom associated with multiple pathogens including Giardia lamblia, Vibrio cholerae, and Norovirus.

Exoenzyme

An enzyme secreted by a cell that acts outside of that cell.

Adhesion

The process where pathogens attach to host cells.

Invasion

The process of a pathogen entering and moving into the tissues of the host.

Noncommunicable disease

A disease that cannot be transmitted from one person to another.

Pathogenicity

The ability of an organism to cause disease.

Period of decline

The phase in which signs and symptoms of a disease decrease and the number of pathogens is reduced.

Virulence

The degree of pathogenicity of a microorganism.

Parenteral route

The route of entry of pathogens through breaks in the skin.

Carcinogen

A substance capable of causing cancer in living tissue.

Glycan gimmickry

A method used by helminths to evade the immune system by altering their glycans.

Iatrogenic disease

An illness caused by medical examination or treatment.

Virulence factors

Factors that increase the virulence of a pathogen, including toxins, capsules, and enzymes.

Prodromal period

The phase in which early signs and symptoms of disease appear.