Microbial Sterilization, Antibiotics, and Infectious Diseases Overview

Pasteurization

Process using heat to reduce harmful microorganisms in food without sterilizing it.

Glutaraldehyde

Used to preserve tissues, prepare vaccines, and sterilize instruments; effective against spores with extended exposure.

Dry Heat Sterilization

Slower and less effective than moist heat because it penetrates microbes less efficiently.

Moist Heat Sterilization

Uses steam under pressure (autoclave) for rapid and effective sterilization.

Antisepsis

Reduction of microorganisms on living tissues; example: Betadine swabs before blood collection.

Sterilization

Complete destruction of all microbial life, including bacteria, fungi, viruses, and spores.

Fungicidal Agent

Substance that kills fungi and prevents growth.

Autoclave

Device combining heat and pressure for sterilization in labs and healthcare.

Bleach

Contains chlorine; used as a powerful household disinfectant.

Gamma Rays

Ionizing radiation used for sterilization (physical method).

Alcohols (Isopropyl, Ethanol)

Common disinfectants used on skin and surfaces.

Ethylene Oxide

Gas sterilization method dependent on temperature and time; toxic to humans.

Hexachlorophene

Effective against Staphylococcus aureus, E. coli, and Pseudomonas aeruginosa.

Penicillin Susceptibility

If bacteria are killed by penicillin, they are considered susceptible.

Bacteriostatic

Inhibits bacterial growth without killing them.

Antibiotic Targets

Include cell walls, ribosomes, and nucleic acids.

Polymyxin B

Targets Gram-negative bacteria; narrow-spectrum antibiotic.

Tetracycline

Inhibits protein synthesis by binding to 30S and 50S ribosomal subunits; bacteriostatic.

Beta-Lactam Antibiotics

Prevent bacterial cell wall synthesis; include penicillin.

Antibiotic Resistance

Caused by misuse, such as treating viral infections or choosing the wrong drug spectrum.

Genitourinary Tract

Includes the urethra and vagina.

Pinworm Infection

Spread by oral route; common in children.

Polio

Infection via gastrointestinal tract.

Norovirus

Food-borne virus spread through fecal-oral route.

Rabies

Viral infection transmitted through animal bites.

Vehicle Transmission

Spread through contaminated food or water (e.g., lettuce recall for Salmonella).

Herpes

Sexually transmitted infection spread by direct contact.

Amoebic Dysentery

Caused by contaminated water; enters via gastrointestinal tract.

Malaria

Transmitted by mosquitoes carrying Plasmodium parasite (biological vector).

Mechanical Vector

Organism (like a fly) transfers pathogens by physical contact.

Fomites

Nonliving objects that spread pathogens (e.g., doorknobs, utensils).

Salmonella

Commonly linked to poultry contamination.

STI Transmission

High rates due to asymptomatic infections.

Syndrome

Group of specific signs and symptoms of a disease.

Symptom

Subjective experience (e.g., chest pain).

Sign

Objective, measurable observation (e.g., fever).

Remission

Decrease in disease severity or symptoms.

Endemic

Disease constantly present in a specific region (e.g., malaria in Africa).

Pandemic

Worldwide disease outbreak (e.g., COVID-19, HIV/AIDS).

Meningitis

Infection of brain membranes, sometimes following surgery.

Encephalitis

Diagnosed through cerebrospinal fluid testing.

Conjunctivitis

Can be caused by Neisseria gonorrhoeae; may cause blindness if untreated.

Keratitis

Inflammation of the cornea.

Erysipelas

Infection of upper dermis and lymphatic vessels.

Whooping Cough

Caused by Bordetella pertussis.

Endocarditis

Infection of heart lining; risk factors include alcoholism, IV drug use, and dialysis.

Catheter-Related Bloodstream Infection

Risk with subclavian catheters.

Osteomyelitis

Bone infection often caused by bloodstream bacteria.

Septic Arthritis

Diagnosed by testing joint fluid.

Acute Cholecystitis

Often caused by Staphylococcus aureus.

Colitis

Often caused by Clostridium difficile in hospital settings.

Appendicitis

Inflammation of appendix causing abdominal pain and fever.

AIDS

Disease resulting from HIV infection.

H. influenzae / S. pneumoniae

Bacteria causing respiratory and ear infections.

Resident Flora

Normal skin microbes that compete with pathogens and protect against infection.

1.Natural Passive Immunity

Maternal antibodies (IgG) passed to infant during pregnancy.

2. Inflammation

Part of the first line of defense against infection.

3. Chemotaxis

Movement of leukocytes toward infection site.

4. Phagocytes

Engulf and destroy pathogens; part of innate immunity.

5. Fever

Example of second line of defense.

6. Artificial Passive Immunity

Temporary protection from antibody-based treatments or vaccines.

7. IgG

Immunoglobulin that crosses placenta; provides long-term immunity.

8. B Cells

Responsible for humoral (antibody) immunity and memory.

9. Antigen

Foreign substance that triggers an immune response (e.g., vaccine component).

10. IgE

Involved in allergic reactions.

11. IgA

Found in saliva, tears, and breast milk; protects mucosal surfaces.

12. Innate Immunity

Nonspecific defense including skin, inflammation, and fever.

13. Adaptive Immunity

Specific response involving B and T cells; develops memory.

14. Humoral Immunity

Mediated by B cells producing antibodies.

Fever of 101.3°F

Example of second line of defense.

Lettuce Recall

Prevents vehicle transmission of Salmonella.

Tetracycline

Inhibits protein synthesis.

Innate Immunity

Immediate, nonspecific defense mechanisms.

Adaptive Immunity

Specific, develops over time with memory.

Humoral Immunity

Carried out by B cells and antibodies.

Phagocytes

Engulf, digest, and destroy pathogens.