ch. 14 Symbiotic Relationships and Infectious Diseases

These flashcards cover key vocabulary from the topics of symbiotic relationships, microbiota, infection, and epidemiology based on the lecture notes.

Symbiosis

A biological term meaning 'to live together' which refers to interactions between different species.

Mutualism

A type of symbiosis where both organisms benefit.

Commensalism

A type of symbiosis where one organism benefits and the other is neither helped nor harmed.

Parasitism

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

Resident microbiota

Microorganisms that are normally found in certain regions of the body and cannot be removed.

Transient microbiota

Microorganisms that temporarily occupy a particular location in the body and can be eliminated.

Opportunistic pathogens

Normal microbiota that can cause disease under certain conditions.

Animal reservoir

A site where pathogens are maintained as a source of infection, specific to animal hosts.

Zoonoses

Diseases that spread naturally from animal hosts to humans.

Infection

The invasion of the host by a pathogen leading to growth and establishment of the microorganism.

Virulence

The degree of pathogenicity of an organism, describing its ability to cause disease.

Toxemia

The presence of toxins in the bloodstream.

Koch's postulates

A series of criteria established to prove that a specific pathogen causes a specific disease.

Incubation period

The time interval between exposure to a pathogen and the onset of symptoms.

Nosocomial infection

Infections acquired in healthcare settings, often caused by pathogens from the environment or patient populations.

Epidemiology

The study of how diseases occur and spread in populations.