microbio test 3 - chemotherapy

antibiotics

Substances produced by the natural metabolic processes of some microorganisms that can inhibit or destroy other microorganisms

sterilants

agents used to sterilize surfaces and materials

prophylaxis

measures taken to prevent diseases rather than treat them.

therapeutic index

The ratio of the toxic dose of an antimicrobial drug (that is toxic to humans) to its minimum therapeutic dose

penicillinases

enzymes produced by bacterial cells, usually after acquiring a new gene, that hydrolyze the β-lactam ring of penicillins and cephalosporins, rendering them ineffective

mechanisms of drug action

• Inhibit cell wall synthesis

• disrupt cell membranes

• interfere with essential biomolecules like proteins and DNA

• block key metabolic pathways

modes of action for antimicrobial resistance

• synthesis of enzymes that alter drug structure

• bacterial chromosomal mutations

• alteration of drug receptors on cell targets

• prevention of drug entry into the cell

minimum inhibitory concentration

the lowest concentration of antibiotic necessary to inhibit the growth of the microorganism being tested

penicillin

drug that works by disrupting synthesis of the bacterial cell wall

mode of action

An antimicrobial agent’s adverse effect on cells, specifically how it inhibits or kills these cells

resident microbiota

consistently present and contributes to the body's normal functioning

transient microbiota

temporarily colonize the human body. they do not typically reside in the body

The human microbiome is acquired in a newborn via

• During birth (both vaginal and C-section births) 

• breast milk

• environment

• Caregivers, such as parents, siblings, and other family and friends in close contact with the baby

Virulence factors contribute to tissue damage…

• Directly through the action of enzymes or toxins, such as endo and exotoxins.

• Indirectly by inducing the host defense to respond excessively or inappropriately

• Through epigenetic changes to host cells

fever

provides a clear, quantifiable indication that the body may be fighting an infection

infection dose

The minimum number of organisms necessary to enter through the portal of entry and establish infection

resevoir

The primary habitat in the natural world from which a pathogen originates; can include humans, animals, insects, and the environment, including soil and water

carrier

An individual who inconspicuously shelters a pathogen and spreads it to others without notice

localized infection

Infection remains at the site of entry

systemic infection

Infection spreads throughout body, usually through the blood stream

acute infection

An infection that comes on rapidly, with severe but short-term effects

chronic infection

An infection that progresses and persists over a long period of time

endemic

A disease occurrence that is limited to a particular geographic area or population but is consistently present

sporadic

A disease that appears at irregular intervals or in unpredictable patterns in a population

epidemic

A sudden increase in the number of disease cases above what is normally expected in that population in that area

pandemic

A disease outbreak that spreads over a wide geographic area, affecting an exceptionally high proportion of the global population

prodromal phase

symptoms are mild and not yet fully developed or recognizable

zoonotic disease

disease transmitted from animals to humans

reportable disease

by law, any diagnosis of the disease must be reported to relevant public health authorities