Module 23: Communicable Disease Study Guide

Vocabulary flashcards covering Module 23 on communicable diseases, pathogens, respiratory infections, immunity, vaccines, and emerging infections.

Communicable Disease

A disease that is spread from one living organism to another.

Causes of Disease

Pathogens and microorganisms that invade the body and disrupt normal functions.

Types of Pathogens

Disease-causing organisms including viruses, bacteria, fungi, protozoa, and rickettsias.

Virus

A piece of genetic material surrounded by a protein coat.

Protozoans

Single-celled organisms that are larger and more complex than bacteria.

Transmission Methods of Infectious Diseases

Ways diseases spread, including direct contact, indirect contact, airborne transmission, puncture wounds, childbirth, and contact with infected animals.

Infection Prevention Steps

Key preventive actions including washing your hands, protecting yourself from vectors, and avoiding tobacco.

Common Cold vs. Flu

The flu is more severe than the common cold and can be spread through indirect contact.

Common Respiratory Infections

Prevalent infections of the respiratory system including pneumonia, strep throat, and tuberculosis.

Best Practices for Avoiding Respiratory Infections

Precautions including avoiding close contact with sick people, washing hands, and avoiding touching the mouth, nose, and eyes.

Immune System

A network of cells, tissues, and organs that fight off pathogens.

Active vs. Passive Immunity

Active immunity involves the body producing its own antibodies, whereas passive immunity involves receiving antibodies from another source.

Vaccine

A preparation that helps manage symptoms and build immunity against a disease without directly killing the pathogen.

Categories of Vaccines

Major types of vaccines including live-virus vaccines, killed-virus vaccines, and toxoids.

Emerging Infections

Infectious diseases that have been getting worse or increasing in incidence within the last 2 decades.

Pandemic

A global outbreak of an infectious disease.

Epidemic

A disease outbreak that affects a large number of people in a certain area or region at the same time.

Reemerging Infections

Infectious diseases that have occurred in the past but are coming back or increasing in frequency.

Three-Step Process of Pathogen Drug Resistance

1. Pathogens invade the body and cause illness. 2. Antibiotics attack the pathogens. 3. Pathogens that survive reproduce.