Skin, Eye, and Respiratory Infections Study Flashcards

Vocabulary flashcards for Skin, Eye, and Respiratory Infections Study.

Abscess

A localized collection of pus within a tissue.

Aerotolerant

Describes a microorganism that does not use oxygen but can survive in its presence.

Antigenic Shift

A sudden, major change in the surface antigens of an influenza virus, often resulting in a new subtype that can evade the host immune response and potentially cause a pandemic.

B-hemolytic

Refers to bacteria that completely lyse red blood cells, creating a clear zone on blood agar.

Biofilm

A microbial community encased in an extracellular matrix, typically attached to a surface.

Bullae

Large, fluid-filled blisters.

Carbuncle

A group of interconnected abscesses.

Cellulitis

An inflammation of the tissues beneath the skin.

Comedones

Non-inflammatory lesions (whiteheads and blackheads) that occur when hair follicles are clogged.

Commensals

Microorganisms that live in a symbiotic relationship with a host where one benefits and the other is neither harmed nor benefited.

Conjunctiva

The mucous membrane that covers the front of the eye and lines the inside of the eyelids.

Cutaneous Anthrax

An infection caused by Bacillus anthracis entering through skin abrasions, characterized by an eschar.

Defensins

Antimicrobial peptides that are part of the innate immune system.

Dermis

The layer of skin below the epidermis.

Diphtheria Exotoxin

A potent toxin secreted by pathogenic strains of Corynebacterium diphtheriae that kills host cells.

Eschar

A pustule of necrotic tissue, characteristic of cutaneous anthrax.

Erysipelas

An infection of the dermis and subcutaneous tissues, often on the legs or face.

Erythrogenic Exotoxins

Toxins produced by Streptococcus pyogenes that cause inflammation and reddening, leading to the rash seen in scarlet fever.

Facultative Anaerobes

Microorganisms that can grow with or without oxygen.

Folliculitis

Inflammation of a hair follicle.

Furuncle

A painful, pus-filled abscess associated with a hair follicle.

Granulomatous Disease

A chronic inflammatory condition characterized by the formation of granulomas (clusters of immune cells).

Hemagglutinin

A viral protein on the surface of influenza viruses that binds to host cells.

Hemolysins

Toxins produced by some bacteria that lyse red blood cells.

Koplik's Spots

Small, white spots on the inner lining of the cheek, characteristic of measles.

Latency

The ability of a virus to remain dormant within host cells for extended periods.

Leukocidins

Toxins produced by some bacteria that kill white blood cells.

Lysozyme

An enzyme found in mucus and other secretions that breaks down bacterial cell walls.

Mantoux Tuberculin Skin Test

A test used to screen for exposure to Mycobacterium tuberculosis.

Mucociliary Escalator Effect

The process by which ciliated epithelial cells in the respiratory tract move mucus and trapped particles up towards the pharynx to be swallowed or coughed out.

Necrotizing Fasciitis

A severe bacterial infection that rapidly destroys connective tissue, muscle, fat, and skin ("flesh-eating disease").

Neonatal Conjunctivitis

Conjunctivitis in newborns, often caused by exposure to pathogens like Chlamydia trachomatis or Neisseria gonorrhoeae during birth.

Neuraminidase

A viral enzyme on the surface of influenza viruses that helps release new virions from host cells.

Otitis Externa

An infection of the ear canal (swimmer's ear).

Otitis Media

An infection of the middle ear.

Papillomas

Benign growths caused by the Human Papillomavirus (HPV).

Pertussis Toxin (PT)

An exotoxin secreted by Bordetella pertussis that contributes to the symptoms of whooping cough.

Pharyngitis

Inflammation of the throat (strep throat).

Pneumonia

An infection and inflammation of the lungs with accumulation of fluids.

Pseudomembrane

A thick layer of dead cells, fibrin, and bacteria that forms in the throat in diphtheria.

Purulent

Containing pus.

Pustules

Small, pus-filled lesions.

Reye Syndrome

A serious condition that can occur after viral infections in children, causing swelling in the liver and brain.

Scarlet Fever

A rash caused by erythrogenic exotoxins released by Streptococcus pyogenes in some cases of strep throat.

Scalded Skin Syndrome

A condition in infants and young children caused by Staphylococcus aureus exotoxins, where the epidermis peels off.

Sebum

An oily substance produced by sebaceous glands in the skin.

Streptococcal Pharyngitis

Another name for strep throat, caused by Streptococcus pyogenes.

Transients

Microorganisms that are temporarily present on the skin.