Communicable Disease and Infection Control Flashcards

A set of 50 vocabulary flashcards covering communicable diseases, types of microbes, classifications of bacteria, immune responses, infection types, signs of infection, antibiotic resistance, and the chain of infection based on Chapter 10 notes.

Communicable Diseases

Diseases caused by germs spread from one person to person or animal to person, such as flu and COVID.

Microbe

A living thing or microorganism that cannot be seen with the naked eye, also known as a germ.

Pathogenic Microbes

Microbes that are capable of causing disease.

Nonpathogenic Microbes

Microbes that do not cause disease, such as E. coli in human intestines.

Cocci

Round or sphere-shaped bacteria.

Bacilli

Rod-shaped bacteria.

Spirilla

Spiral-shaped or curved bacteria.

Aerobic Bacteria

Bacteria that need oxygen to live.

Anaerobic Bacteria

Bacteria that die if oxygen is present.

Endospore

A protective shell that bacteria surround themselves with to become inactive and survive harsh conditions.

Tetanus

An illness caused by bacteria, commonly known as lockjaw.

Botulism

An illness caused by bacteria that causes food poisoning.

Virus

The smallest microbe, responsible for illnesses such as the common cold, influenza, fever blisters, and COVID-19.

Fungi

Plant-like organisms that cause conditions such as ringworm, athlete's foot, and candidiasis.

Candidiasis

A fungal infection commonly referred to as a yeast infection.

Parasites

Organisms that must have a host for food and protection.

Scabies

A parasitic skin condition caused by mites.

Pediculosis

A parasitic infestation caused by lice.

Helminths

Parasitic worms, including pinworms, tapeworms, and roundworms.

Protozoa

Parasitic organisms responsible for diseases like malaria and amebic dysentery.

Immune System

The system that protects the body from infection.

Nonspecific Defense Mechanisms

General protective barriers against infection, including intact skin, mucous membranes, stomach acid, tears, sneezing, and fever.

Specific Defense Mechanisms

Targeted body defenses against infection, including antibodies, white blood cells (WBCs), and receiving vaccinations.

Antibiotics

Medications that fight bacteria.

Penicillin

The first discovered antibiotic that is commonly given to fight bacterial infections.

Multidrug-Resistant Organisms (MDROs)

Bacteria resistant to multiple antibiotics due to overuse of antibiotic medications.

Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus Aureus (MRSA)

A specific type of multidrug-resistant organism.

Vancomycin-Resistant Enterococcus (VRE)

A specific type of multidrug-resistant organism.

Clostridium Difficile (C. diff)

A spore-forming bacterial infection requiring hand washing with soap and water rather than hand sanitizer.

Local Infection

An infection affecting a small, defined area, such as an abscess.

Generalized Infection

An infection affecting a general area or organ, such as a skin rash on the torso.

Systemic Infection

An infection affecting the entire body, such as sepsis.

Abscess

A localized bacterial infection that serves as an example of a local infection.

Chain of Infection

The continuous process describing how germs spread between agents, reservoirs, exits, modes of transmission, entries, and hosts.

Agent (Chain of Infection)

The germ that causes infection, including bacteria, viruses, and parasites.

Reservoir (Chain of Infection)

Where germs live, including people, pets (dogs, cats, reptiles), wild animals, food, soil, and water.

Portal of Exit (Chain of Infection)

How germs get out of a reservoir, such as through mouth (vomit, saliva), cuts in skin (blood), or during diapering and toileting (stool).

Mode of Transmission (Chain of Infection)

How germs get around, such as contact (hands, toys, sand) or droplets (speaking, sneezing, coughing).

Portal of Entry (Chain of Infection)

How germs get into a host, such as through the mouth, cuts in the skin, or eyes.

Susceptible Host (Chain of Infection)

The next sick person, such as babies, children, elderly, unimmunized people, or anyone with a weakened immune system.

Droplet Transmission

A mode of transmission that occurs when speaking, sneezing, or coughing.

Contact Transmission

A mode of transmission that occurs through direct touch or items like hands, toys, and sand.

Elderly Temperature Response to Infection

In elderly individuals, body temperature during an infection may only show a slight increase, or even no increase at all.

Vital Sign Changes in Infection

Signs of infection that include rapid pulse, rapid respiratory rate, or changes in blood pressure.

Urinary Infection Signs

Infection symptoms including foul-smelling or cloudy urine, as well as pain or difficulty urinating.

Gastrointestinal Infection Signs

Infection symptoms including diarrhea, foul-smelling feces, nausea, vomiting, or lack of appetite.

Physical/Skin Signs of Infection

External signs of infection such as redness, swelling, pain, skin rashes, or unusual discharge/drainage from the body.

Cognitive Signs of Infection

Infection symptoms affecting mental status, including fatigue, increased confusion, or disorientation.

Strep Throat

A bacterial throat infection listed as an illness caused by bacteria.

Athlete's Foot

A fungal infection listed as an illness caused by plant-like organisms.