Microbiology PPT: Infection, Epidemiology, and Pathogens

Vocabulary flashcards derived from lecture notes on microbiology, infection processes, terminology, skin lesions, and systemic/organ-specific infections.

Epidemiology

The study of factors that determine the frequency, distribution, and determinants of diseases and ways to prevent, control, or eradicate them.

Sporadic Disease

A disease that occurs occasionally within a population.

Epidemic

A disease occurring in a greater than usual number in a particular region over a short period of time.

Endemic

A disease that is always present within a population of a particular geographic area.

Pandemic

A disease that occurs in epidemic proportions in many countries simultaneously or worldwide.

Incubation Period

The time between the arrival of a pathogen and the onset of symptoms.

Prodromal Period

The stage of disease where a patient feels "out of sorts" but experiences no specific symptoms.

Illness Stage

The stage of disease where a patient is experiencing symptoms associated with the disease.

Decline Stage

The stage of disease where pathogen numbers decrease along with signs and symptoms.

Convalescence Period

The period of recovery following an illness.

Symptoms

Indications of disease noted by the patient.

Signs

Indications of disease noted by the doctor upon examination.

Syndrome

A group of symptoms consistently occurring together.

Virulence

A measure or degree of pathogenicity referring to the severity of the infectious disease caused.

Passive Carrier

A carrier who carries a pathogen but does not have the disease.

Incubatory Carrier

A carrier who can transmit a pathogen during the incubation period.

Convalescent Carrier

A carrier who harbors and transmits a pathogen while recovering.

Active Carrier

A carrier who has completely recovered but continues to harbor the pathogen indefinitely.

Bacteremia

A bacterial infection of the bloodstream.

Septicemia

An expansion of bacteremia that is a medical emergency and can escalate to septic shock.

Infective Endocarditis

An infection of the inner lining of the heart.

Myocarditis

Inflammation of the myocardium that may lead to cardiomyopathy.

Pericarditis

Inflammation of the pericardium, secondary to other infections, caused by Streptococcus.

Vasculitis

Inflammation of the blood vessels caused by bacteria, drug/chemical reactions, allergic responses, cancer, or rheumatic disease reactions.

Papule

A small solid raised skin lesion that is less than $0.5\,\text{cm}$ in diameter.

Plaque

A solid raised skin lesion that is greater than $0.5\,\text{cm}$ in diameter.

Macule

A flat discolored skin lesion that is less than $1\,\text{cm}$ in diameter.

Patch

A flat discolored skin lesion that is greater than $1\,\text{cm}$ in diameter.

Scale

A flaking or dry patch made up of excess dead epidermal cells.

Crust

A collection of dried serum and cellular debris.

Wheal

A smooth, slightly elevated swollen area that is redder or paler than surrounding skin, usually accompanied by itching.

Cyst

A closed sack or pouch containing fluid or semisolid material.

Pustule

A small circumscribed elevation of the skin containing pus.

Vesicle

A circumscribed elevation of skin containing fluid that is less than $0.5\,\text{cm}$ in diameter.

Bulla

A large vesicle that is more than $0.5\,\text{cm}$ in diameter.

Ulcer

An open sore or erosion of the skin or mucous membrane resulting in tissue loss.

Fissure

A groove or crack-like sore of the skin.

Necrotizing Fasciitis

An infection caused by flesh-eating bacteria whose enzymes destroy muscle and fascia.

Hansen's Disease

Leprosy, caused by Mycobacterium leprae, which infects the skin and peripheral nervous system leading to severe/disfiguring rash with loss of sensation.

Cutaneous Anthrax

Infection caused by Bacillus anthracis, transmitted through cuts or scrapes, producing a lesion with a necrotic, black center.

Gas Gangrene

Infection of skin or surgical wounds primarily caused by Clostridium perfringens.

Campylobacter jejuni

Primary cause of diarrheal disease in humans, transmitted via ingestion of raw/undercooked meats, unpasteurized milk, or contaminated water.

Clostridioides difficile

An opportunistic GI pathogen resistant to stomach acids that causes severe, long-lasting diarrhea.

Trichomonas vaginalis

Parasite that causes Trichomoniasis, a treatable sexually transmitted disease.

Entamoeba histolytica

Parasite that causes amebic dysentery through fecal contamination of food or drinks.

Conjunctivitis

Also known as pink eye, an inflammation of the conjunctiva.