week 5Pathophysiology of Infection and Pharmacology

Flashcards covering the pathophysiology of the immune system, stages of infection, and various classes of antibacterial pharmacological agents.

Innate Immune System

The immune system component that is always “on,” including physical barriers and certain white blood cells like basophils, mast cells, monocytes, neutrophils, and macrophages.

Adaptive Immune System

A specific system with memory that develops over time, involving lymphocytes like B Cells and T Cells (CD4 and CD8) and providing a delayed response to pathogens.

MHC II

Major histocompatibility complex II; a molecule on the cell surface of macrophages used to present antigens from digested bacteria to the immune system.

Antigen-Antibody Complex Results

The formation of this complex results in Neutralization, Opsonization, Agglutination, and the Activation of the Complement System.

Stages of Infection

The four clinical stages: Incubation Period, Prodromal Stage, Acute Phase, and Convalescence.

Septicemia

The dissemination of an infection through the blood.

Pneumonia

A bacterial clinical example caused by Streptococcus pneumoniae involving inflammation of lung alveoli.

Candidiasis

A fungal infection caused by the overgrowth of Candida species.

Malaria

A parasitic infection caused by Plasmodium spp. that infects red blood cells.

Titers

A laboratory test that measures the level of antibodies against a specific virus in the blood.

Broad Spectrum Antibiotics

Antibiotics effective against a wide range of bacteria by acting on structures shared by several different types.

Narrow Spectrum Antibiotics

Antibiotics effective against a limited range of bacteria by targeting characteristics specific to only one or a few types.

Amoxicillin (Amoxil)

A broad-spectrum Penicillin (beta-lactam) antibiotic that destroys bacterial cell walls; common adverse effects include hives, anaphylaxis, and GI distress.

Cephalexin (Keflex)

A broad-spectrum Cephalosporin prototype and beta-lactam antibiotic that treats ear/throat infections and UTIs; check for penicillin and milk-protein allergies.

Vancomycin (Vancocin)

A broad-spectrum antibiotic used for serious infections like MRSA and C. diff; requires monitoring for renal failure, ototoxicity, and Red Man Syndrome.

Vancomycin Flushing Syndrome

Formerly known as Red Man Syndrome, this occurs if the medication is not administered over at least $60$ minutes to prevent facial flushing and fainting.

Tetracycline

A broad-spectrum bacteriostatic antibiotic used for chlamydia and acne; contraindicated in pregnancy and children $< 8$ years old due to potential teeth discoloration.

Erythromycin

A broad-spectrum Macrolide prototype used for Legionnaires’ disease; can cause ventricular dysrhythmias by prolonging the QT interval and ototoxicity.

Trimethoprim & Sulfamethoxazole (Bactrim)

A Sulfonamide prototype effective against gram+ cocci and gram- bacilli; potential adverse effects include Stevens-Johnson syndrome, blood dyscrasias, and urinary crystals.

Nitrofurantoin (Macrodantin)

A urinary tract antiseptic with no action outside the urinary tract; can cause lung damage, peripheral neuropathy, and brown urine.

Superinfection

A condition where drug-resistant pathogens proliferate (e.g., Candidiasis or Clostridium difficile) because broad-spectrum antibiotics killed the normal microbiota.

Genogram

A clear visual history and legend (using circles for females and squares for males) that lists potential familial diseases and relationships.