Overview of Prokaryotic Pathogens and Human Disease

This set of flashcards covers key vocabulary, definitions, and concepts related to prokaryotic pathogens, their associated diseases, and outcomes, based on the provided lecture notes.

Prokaryotes

Single-celled organisms including bacteria and archaea.

Pathogenicity

The ability of an organism to enter and colonize a host, evade defenses, and damage tissues.

Aerosols

Tiny droplets of liquid that can carry pathogens and enable person-to-person transmission.

Fomites

Contaminated objects that can carry infectious agents.

Upper tract infections

Usually acute infections affecting the upper respiratory system, such as strep throat.

Lower tract infections

Often chronic infections affecting the lower respiratory system, such as pneumonia.

Streptococcus pyogenes

A bacterium causing diseases like strep throat and necrotizing fasciitis.

Streptococcus pneumoniae

A bacterium causing pneumonia and meningitis, often prevented by vaccination.

Virulence factors

Molecular components that contribute to a pathogen's ability to cause disease.

Toxoid vaccine

A vaccine made from inactivated toxins to confer immunity.

Pertussis

Also known as whooping cough, caused by Bordetella pertussis.

Tetanus toxin

A neurotoxin produced by Clostridium tetani that causes muscle spasms.

DTaP vaccine

A combination vaccine for diphtheria, tetanus, and pertussis.

Mycobacterium tuberculosis

Causative agent of tuberculosis, known for its waxy cell wall.

Granuloma

A cluster of immune cells that forms as a response to infection by certain bacteria.

Leprosy

Also known as Hansen’s disease, caused by Mycobacterium leprae.

Meningitis

An inflammation of the protective membranes covering the brain and spinal cord.

Neisseria meningitidis

Bacterium responsible for meningococcal meningitis.

HIV-positive individuals

Persons who are infected with the human immunodeficiency virus, at higher risk for TB.

Cutaneous anthrax

A form of anthrax that affects the skin, characterized by black lesions.

Bubonic plague

A plague caused by Yersinia pestis, characterized by swollen lymph nodes.

Erythema migrans

A characteristic 'bull's-eye' rash associated with Lyme disease.

Staphylococcus aureus

A virulent strain of staphylococcus commonly associated with skin and systemic infections.

Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA)

A type of staph bacteria resistant to certain antibiotics, making it difficult to treat.

Vancomycin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (VRSA)

A strain of Staphylococcus aureus resistant to the antibiotic vancomycin.

Foodborne diseases

Illnesses resulting from consumption of contaminated food or water.

Salmonella

A group of bacteria that can cause food poisoning, particularly from poultry and eggs.

Listeria monocytogenes

Bacteria that can grow at refrigerator temperatures and cause serious illness.

Cholera

A severe diarrheal disease caused by Vibrio cholerae, often linked to contaminated water.

Tuberculosis treatment

Typically involves multi-drug therapy over an extended period.

Chlamydia

The most common bacterial STI in the U.S., caused by Chlamydia trachomatis.

Neonatal infections

Infections that occur in newborns, often transmitted during childbirth.

Toxins

Poisonous substances produced by living cells.

Bacillus anthracis

The spore-forming bacterium that causes anthrax.

Community-acquired pneumonia

Pneumonia acquired outside of healthcare settings.

Symptoms of diphtheria

Include sore throat, neck swelling, and difficulty breathing.

Modes of bacterial transmission

Can occur via direct contact, droplets, or contaminated surfaces.

Vaccination effectiveness

The measure of how well a vaccine works to prevent disease.

Pathogen persistence

The ability of a pathogen to survive and continue to cause disease.

Invasive disease

Infections that penetrate deep into the tissues or bloodstream.

Autoimmune response

The body's immune system mistakenly attacking its own cells, potentially triggered by infection.

Respiratory defenses

Mechanisms the body uses to protect against respiratory pathogens.

Epidemiology of infections

The study of the patterns, causes, and effects of health and disease conditions.

Public health measures

Strategies employed to protect community health, such as vaccination and sanitation.

Preventative measures for infections

Include hygiene practices, vaccination, and public health education.

Opportunistic infections

Infections that take advantage of weakened immune systems.

Bacterial resistance

The ability of bacteria to resist the effects of an antibiotic.

Antimicrobial stewardship

Efforts to optimize the use of antibiotics to combat resistance.

Coliform bacteria

Indicator organisms used to assess fecal contamination in water.

Rapid diagnosis

Immediate identification of a disease, critical for effective treatment.

Informed consent

Agreement by a participant to partake in research after understanding the risks.

Ethical research standards

Guidelines to ensure the integrity and morality of scientific research.