Microbiology

Microbes

Organisms such as bacteria, viruses, protozoa, fungi, and parasitic worms that we encounter daily.

Pathogen

Microbes that are capable of causing disease.

Opportunistic Pathogen

Microbes that can cause disease but do so only when the immune system is compromised or in an unusual environment.

Communicable Disease

A disease that can be spread from person to person (e.g., the flu).

Non-communicable Disease

A disease that is not spread from person to person (e.g., food poisoning).

Local Infection

An infection that is confined to a specific area of the body.

Systemic Infection

An infection that affects the entire body and often spreads through the bloodstream.

Portals of Entry

Routes through which pathogens enter the body, including ears, eyes, nose, mouth, and broken skin.

Portals of Exit

Routes through which pathogens exit the body, including fecal material, urine, and reproductive secretions.

Immune System Response to Infection

The immune system's effort to control and eliminate pathogens, which may require treatment or not.