General Infectology Terminology

Flashcards covering key terms and definitions related to general infectology.

Health

A state of complete physical, mental, and social well-being, not merely the absence of disease.

Infection

The penetration of infectious agents into the human body and their reproduction, along with the body's reaction to them.

Infectious Disease

A condition characterized by clinical and biological changes resulting from tissue damage caused by infectious agents.

Etiology

The study of the cause of diseases.

Epidemiology

The study of how diseases affect the health and illness of populations.

Pathogenesis

The progression of a disease from start to finish.

Immunological Aspects

Aspects concerning the immune system's response to infection.

Prodromal Symptoms

Early, nonspecific symptoms before the onset of a disease.

Bacteria

Microorganisms, typically a few micrometers in length, found in various shapes such as spheres, rods, and spirals.

Viruses

Submicroscopic particles that require a host cell to grow and reproduce.

Protozoa

Unicellular microorganisms that reproduce sexually and asexually.

Fungi

Organisms that lack chlorophyll and can reproduce through spores.

Acute Onset

A rapid onset of disease symptoms in a short time.

Chronic Infection

An infection that persists for a long duration.

Zoonoses

Diseases that are transmitted from animals to humans.

Phagocytosis

The process by which certain cells engulf and digest microorganisms.

Virulence

The degree of pathogenicity of a microorganism.

Reservoir

The natural habitat of a pathogen, where it lives and multiplies.

Transmission Models

The various ways in which infections are spread from host to host.

Secondary Infection

An infection that occurs following a primary infection.

Incubation Period

The time between exposure to the infectious agent and the appearance of symptoms.