Lecture Notes: Inflammation, Infection, and Pharmacology Review

Flashcards cover key concepts from pages 1–7: infection biology, inflammation, wound healing, transmission prevention, antihistamines, and glucocorticoids.

What term refers to the act of establishing a presence by an organism?

Colonization.

What is infection?

Presence and multiplication of microorganisms in a host.

What is infectivity?

The ability of a microorganism to invade and multiply within a host.

What does mutualism describe?

A relationship in which both the organism and the host derive benefits.

What does virulence describe?

The severe disease-producing ability of a pathogen, including how fast it multiplies.

What is toxigenicity?

The ability to produce soluble toxins.

Which organisms are killed by antibiotics?

Bacteria (e.g., E. coli, Anthrax).

Which agents are targeted by antivirals?

Viruses (e.g., HIV, Hepatitis, rhinovirus).

What does panculture mean?

Cultures from multiple specimen types (blood, sputum, urine, wound, stool, etc.) to detect infection.

When can antibiotics be started based on culture growth, and what timelines are used?

If growth is seen within 24 hours, antibiotics can be started; a 48-hour result helps determine the most appropriate meds.

Name some environmental conditions or sources that favor germs.

Hot, humid, moist areas; airborne (TB, anthrax); droplets (COVID); contaminated food; seasonal patterns (flu); dense populations (campuses); contaminated water; bloodborne (HIV).

What is the difference between airborne and droplet transmission?

Airborne: pathogens linger in air (e.g., TB, anthrax). Droplet: larger droplets (e.g., some respiratory infections, COVID).

What are the main diagnostic methods for infection?

Culture, Serology (study of plasma/serum), Monoclonal antibodies (lab-made antibodies targeting specific diseases, effective with COVID).

What is serology?

The study of plasma/serum antibodies to detect immune responses or infection.

What are monoclonal antibodies?

Lab-made proteins that mimic natural antibodies and target specific diseases.

List systemic manifestations commonly associated with infection.

Anorexia, Arthralgia, Myalgia, Fever, Headache, Tachypnea, Tachycardia.

What WBC count is considered normal?

4,000–10,000 cells per microliter.

What does leukocytosis indicate?

An elevated white blood cell count, suggesting infection or inflammation.

What is the difference between systemic and localized infection treatment?

Systemic treatment affects the whole body; localized treatment targets a specific area (e.g., a wound).

What can cytokine release cause?

Shock, organ failure, or death.

Which acute-phase proteins are released by the liver during inflammation?

Fibrinogen, C-reactive protein (CRP), and Serum Amyloid A (SAA).

What mediates fever and inflammation?

Prostaglandins.

What enzyme pathway is involved in prostaglandin production and is inhibited by ibuprofen?

Cyclooxygenase (COX) pathway.

What is the role of the hypothalamus in fever?

Acts as the body's thermostat to regulate fever.

What happens to metabolism during fever?

Metabolism and physiological parameters (HR, BP, digestion) increase; greater fluid needs; may require dose adjustments of meds.

What is prodromal?

Nonspecific early symptoms that precede a full illness.

Who are the primary responders among white blood cells in inflammation?

Neutrophils.

What do monocytes/macrophages produce during inflammation?

Prostaglandins, leukotrienes, platelet-activating factor, and cytokines.

What is the sequence of vascular events in early inflammation?

Initial vasoconstriction to limit spread, followed by vasodilation with increased permeability to recruit immune cells.

What are the phases of wound healing?

Inflammatory phase, proliferative phase, remodeling phase.

What characterizes abnormal remodeling in wound healing?

Abnormal keloid formation (scars).

Name factors that affect wound healing.

Nutrition, age, immunocompromised status, blood flow, and infection.

What are the five components of the Chain of Transmission?

Destroy the reservoir; Block the portal exit; Block transmission; Block portal entry; Reduce victim susceptibility.

What are H1 antagonists commonly used for?

Allergies; also used for mild to severe allergies, motion sickness, insomnia, and sometimes the common cold.

List common adverse effects of H1 antagonists.

Sedation (less with second/third-generation), CNS effects (dizziness, fatigue, coordination problems, confusion), GI effects (nausea, vomiting, anorexia, constipation); potential dementia risk with overdose (e.g., diphenhydramine).

What distinguishes second-generation antihistamines?

Less sedating, cross the blood-brain barrier poorly; examples include cetirizine, fexofenadine, loratadine.

What is paradoxical activity in antihistamines?

Paradoxical effect where some individuals (often children) experience excitation rather than sedation.

What are the main adverse metabolic effects of glucocorticoids?

Elevated blood glucose (hyperglycemia) and hypokalemia; fluid retention; fat redistribution.

What are classic nonendocrine cardiovascular effects of glucocorticoids?

Increased capillary permeability, suppressed vasoconstriction, potential hypotension; decreased RBCs and WBCs.

What are common stress-related effects on the adrenal axis with steroid use?

During severe stress, glucocorticoids and epinephrine help maintain BP; chronic/long-term steroid use can lead to adrenal suppression and dependence.

What are therapeutic uses of glucocorticoids?

Anti-inflammatory and immunosuppressive uses (e.g., rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, inflammatory bowel disease); excessive use can blunt immune responses.

What are common adverse effects of NSAID-related therapy on the GI and renal systems?

Gastric ulceration and bleeding; renal impairment.