Infection Basics and Immunity Review

These flashcards cover terminology related to infections, defense mechanisms, stages of infection, types of immunity, hypersensitivity reactions, and relevant medications.

Host

Person supporting microbe growth.

Normal flora

Microorganisms normally living in the body.

Colonization

Microbes present but no symptoms.

Infection

Pathogens causing disease.

Bacteremia

Bacteria in the bloodstream.

Sepsis

Life-threatening organ dysfunction from infection.

Portals of Entry

Routes through which pathogens enter the body such as broken skin, mucous membranes, respiratory tract, GI tract, and GU tract.

Sources of infection

Humans, animals, fomites, vectors, food, water, and body fluids.

First line defense

The body's initial defense against infection, including skin, mucous membranes, tears/enzymes, and the presence of normal flora.

Phagocytosis

The process by which certain cells engulf and digest microorganisms and cellular debris.

Local infection

An infection characterized by redness, swelling, pain, warmth, and loss of function.

Systemic infection

An infection that affects the entire body and is manifested by symptoms such as fever, tachycardia, tachypnea, fatigue, and malaise.

Stages of Infection

The sequence of infection stages: 1. Incubation, 2. Prodromal, 3. Acute, 4. Convalescent.

Normal flora destroyer

Antibiotics can destroy normal flora, potentially leading to superinfections.

Culture

The laboratory method to identify bacteria from a sample.

Sensitivity

The test that determines which antibiotic is effective against the bacteria identified in culture.

Active immunity

Immunity that occurs when the body produces its own antibodies, such as after vaccination or recovering from an illness.

Passive immunity

Immunity gained through receiving antibodies from another source, such as maternal IgG or immune globulin injections.

Immunoglobulins

Antibodies that play key roles in the immune response, including IgG, IgA, IgM, IgE, and IgD.

Type I hypersensitivity

An allergic reaction that involves IgE, such as food allergies and asthma.

Type II hypersensitivity

A reaction involving IgG/IgM, such as transfusion reactions.

Type III hypersensitivity

Involves immune complexes, leading to autoimmune disorders and drug reactions.

Type IV hypersensitivity

A delayed response type, evident in scenarios like a TB skin test and poison ivy reaction.

Epinephrine

A medication used for anaphylaxis that causes bronchodilation and vasoconstriction.