Microbiology -- Chapter 11 Section 2

Pathogenicity

The capacity of microbes to cause disease

True Pathogens (Primary Pathogens)

A microbe capable of causing infection and disease in healthy people with normal immune disease

Opportunistic Pathogens

In infection, usually nonpathogenic or weakly pathogens that cause disease primarily in an immunologically compromised host

Virulence

In infection, the relative capacity of a pathogen to invade and harm host cells

Virulence Factors

A microbes structures or capabilites that allow it to establish itself in a host and cause damage

Polymicrobial

Involves multiple different types of microorganism

Portal of entry

Route of entry for an infectious agent, usually a cut or saliva route

Adhesion

The process and ability by which microbes gain a hold at the portal of entry like cells and surfaces. This is the first step to colonization.

Phagocyte

White blood cells capable of engulfing and digesting other cells and particles.

Leukocidin

A heat liable toxin produced by progenitor cocci that targets and destroy WBC.

Exoenzymes

Enzymes secreted by microorganisms into their external environment to break down and damage tissues and also dissolve into smaller units.

Toxins

A specific chemical product of microbes, plants, and animals that is poisonous to other organisms.

Exotoxins

A toxin (protein) with a strong act upon a specific target cell. Are extremely powerful and sometimes deadly.

Hemolysin

A class of bacterial exotoxins that disrupts the cell membrane of red blood cells. This causes a release

Hemolyze

Sign

Objective evidence of disease as noted by an observer

Symptom

Subjective evidence of disease sensed by the patient

Inflammation

Granuloma

Abscess

Lymphadenitis

Leukocytosis

Leukopenia

Septicemia

Bacteremia

Viremia

Asymptomatic

Subclinical

Portal of Exit

Latency

Sequela

Incubation Period

Prodromal stage

Acute phase

Convalescence

Continuation phase

Infection Dose