Principles of Disease and Epidemiology

These flashcards cover key terms and concepts related to disease principles and epidemiology from Chapter 14.

Epidemiology

The study of where and when diseases occur and how they are transmitted in populations.

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)

National public health agency in the United States that collects and analyzes epidemiological information.

Emerging Infectious Diseases (EIDs)

Diseases that are new, increasing in incidence, or showing potential to increase in the near future.

Reservoir of Infection

A continual source of infection, which can be human, animal, or nonliving.

Human Microbiome

The collection of microorganisms living in and on the human body.

Normal Microbiota

Microbes that permanently colonize the host and usually do not cause disease.

Transient Microbiota

Microbes that are present for days, weeks, or months but do not permanently colonize the host.

Symbiosis

A relationship between two organisms that can be beneficial, neutral, or harmful.

Commensalism

A type of symbiosis where one organism benefits while the other is unaffected.

Mutualism

A type of symbiosis where both organisms benefit from the relationship.

Parasitism

A type of symbiosis where one organism benefits at the expense of the other.

Microbial Antagonism

Competition between microbes, where normal microbiota protect the host.

Pathology

The study of disease.

Etiology

The cause of a disease.

Pathogenesis

The development of a disease.

Infection

The invasion and colonization of pathogens in the body.

Disease

An abnormal state in which the body is not performing normal functions.

Pathogen

A microorganism that causes disease.

Koch's Postulates

Criteria established by Robert Koch to prove that a specific microbe causes a specific disease.

Incidence

The number of new cases of a disease in a specific time period.

Prevalence

The total number of existing cases of a disease in a population.

Sporadic Disease

A disease that occurs only occasionally.

Endemic Disease

A disease that is constantly present in a population.

Epidemic Disease

A disease acquired by many people in a given area in a short time.

Pandemic Disease

A worldwide epidemic affecting more than one continent.

Predisposing Factors

Factors that make the body more susceptible to disease.

Incubation Period

The interval between initial infection and first signs of symptoms.

Prodromal Period

The short period after incubation with early mild symptoms.

Period of Illness

The stage where the disease is most severe.

Period of Decline

The stage where signs and symptoms subside.

Period of Convalescence

The stage where the body returns to its pre-diseased state.

Human Reservoirs

Infected humans who may transmit diseases.

Zoonoses

Diseases transmitted from animals to humans.

Fomite

A nonliving object that can spread disease.

Contact Transmission

Transmission through direct or indirect contact.

Vehicle Transmission

Transmission by an inanimate reservoir.

Vector-borne Transmission

Transmission by an insect vector.

Congenital Transmission

Transmission from mother to fetus during pregnancy.

Droplet Transmission

Transmission via saliva or mucus over a short distance.

Airborne Transmission

Transmission carried in droplets or dust for long distances.

Healthcare-Associated Infections (HAIs)

Infections acquired while receiving treatment in a healthcare facility.

Nosocomial Infections

Another term for healthcare-associated infections.

Aseptic Technique

Procedures that reduce the number of pathogens.

Morbidity

The number of cases of a specific disease in a population.

Mortality

The number of deaths from specific diseases.

Genetic Recombination

A contributing factor of EIDs involving genetic changes in microbes.

Antibiotic Resistance

A result of the widespread use of antibiotics, leading to resistant strains.

Ecological Disaster

Environmental events that may contribute to the emergence of diseases.

Bioterrorism

The intentional release of viruses, bacteria, or other germs to cause illness or death.

Vector-Borne Illnesses

Diseases transmitted by arthropods, such as fleas, ticks, and mosquitoes.

Mechanical Transmission

When a pathogen is carried on the feet of an arthropod.

Biological Transmission

When a pathogen reproduces in the vector and is transmitted via bites or feces.