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Symbiosis

Defined as two dissimilar organisms living together in a close association.

Neutralism

Refers to a symbiotic relationship in which neither symbiont is affected by the relationship.

Commensalism

A symbiotic relationship that is beneficial to one symbiont and of no consequence to the other.

Mutualism

A symbiotic relationship that is beneficial to both symbionts.

Parasitism

A symbiotic relationship that is beneficial to one symbiont and detrimental to the other.

Indigenous Microbiota

Microbes residing on and within a person, also known as the human microbiome.

Microbial Antagonism

Beneficial microbes preventing other microbes from establishing.

Opportunistic Pathogens

Microbes waiting for the chance to cause infection.

Biofilms

Complex communities of bacteria with medical significance.

Synergism

When multiple organisms collaborate to cause a disease.

Endosymbionts

Bacteria within other microorganisms.

Biotechnology

Technological applications using biological systems for specific purposes.

Bioremediation

Using microbes to clean up various types of wastes.

Epidemiology

Study of disease frequency, distribution, and determinants in human populations.

Communicable Disease

Infectious disease transmissible between individuals.

Zoonotic Diseases

Diseases humans acquire from animal sources.

Reservoirs of Infection

Sources of microbes causing infectious diseases.

Chain of Infection

Components in the infectious disease process.

Human Carriers

Individuals spreading pathogens without showing symptoms.

Vectors

Arthropods involved in transmitting infectious diseases.

Indirect contact via airborne droplets

Transmission through respiratory secretions like sneezing or coughing.

Indirect contact via contaminated food and water

Spread through food or water contaminated with fecal matter.

Indirect contact via arthropod vectors

Transmission through insects or arthropods.

Indirect contact via fomites

Spread through contaminated objects or surfaces.

Indirect contact via contaminated blood

Transmission through infected blood or blood products.

World Health Organization (WHO)

UN agency founded in 1948 to promote global health cooperation and disease control.

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)

US federal agency established in 1946 to protect public health and control infectious diseases.

Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report (MMWR)

Publication by CDC reporting on infectious diseases and health trends.

Prevention measures for epidemics

Strategies like vaccination, protection of exposed individuals, isolation of infected persons, and control of disease reservoirs.

Biologic Warfare Agents

Microbes intentionally used in warfare to harm others.

Bioterrorism Agents

Pathogens used to create fear, chaos, and illness outside of war.

Water pollution types

Chemical pollution and biologic pollution like fecal matter.

Cryptosporidiosis epidemic

Major waterborne outbreak in Milwaukee in 1993.

Water treatment steps

Sedimentation, coagulation, filtration, and chlorination to purify water.

Sewage treatment

Process involving primary, secondary, and tertiary treatments to manage raw sewage.