Microbial Diseases of the Digestive System

A set of vocabulary flashcards covering key concepts related to microbial diseases of the digestive system.

Gastrointestinal (GI) tract

The alimentary canal that includes the mouth, pharynx, esophagus, stomach, small and large intestine.

Accessory structures

Components that provide mechanical and chemical aid to the digestive process, such as teeth and salivary glands.

Microbiota

The community of microorganisms residing in a specific environment, such as the gut.

Dental caries

Also known as tooth decay, caused by the accumulation of dental plaque and results in damage to tooth structure.

Streptococcus mutans

A key cariogenic bacterium that converts sucrose to lactic acid, contributing to dental caries.

Plaque

A biofilm that forms on teeth made up of bacteria and polysaccharides.

Periodontitis

A chronic gum disease that results from inflammation leading to the destruction of teeth-supporting structures.

Gingivitis

Inflammation and infection of the gums, primarily caused by bacteria.

Shigellosis

An infection caused by Shigella species characterized by severe diarrhea with blood and mucus.

Salmonellosis

A bacterial infection caused by Salmonella, often associated with contaminated chicken and eggs.

Cholera

An acute intestinal infection caused by Vibrio cholerae leading to severe diarrhea and dehydration.

Giardiasis

An intestinal infection caused by Giardia intestinalis, leading to prolonged diarrhea and intestinal symptoms.

Helminths

Parasitic worms that can infect the digestive system, including species such as Ascaris and Taenia.

Protozoan

Single-celled organisms, such as Giardia, that can cause infections in the digestive system.

Ergot poisoning

A condition caused by mycotoxins produced by Claviceps purpurea, leading to hallucinations and restricted blood flow.

Aflatoxin poisoning

Illness caused by aflatoxins produced by Aspergillus flavus, which may lead to liver damage and cancer.

Fecal-oral route

A method of transmission for pathogens where contamination occurs through ingestion of contaminated water or food.

Intestinal gas

Flatus, a mixture of gases produced by microbial fermentation in the intestines.

Flatus

A type of intestinal gas that is expelled from the body.

Microbial diseases

Illnesses caused by the pathogenic organisms in the digestive system.

Oral rehydration solutions

Simple mixtures of salt, sugar, and water used to prevent dehydration from diarrhea.

Fungal diseases

Infections caused by fungi, which can produce mycotoxins leading to various health issues.

Mumps

A viral infection that causes swelling of the parotid glands and is preventable by the MMR vaccine.

Norovirus

A highly contagious virus often associated with outbreaks, causing gastroenteritis.

Rotavirus

Commonly affects children and causes severe diarrhea, preventable by vaccination.

Clinical Application

A section of study focused on how microbiology relates to practical health issues.

GALT

Gut-associated lymphoid tissue, where a significant portion of the immune system is located.

Feces

Solid waste eliminated from the body after digestion.

Symptoms of gastroenteritis

Can include diarrhea, vomiting, abdominal cramps, and fever.

Dysentery

Severe diarrhea that contains blood and mucus.

Helminthic diseases

Diseases caused by parasitic worms affecting the digestive system.

Typhoid fever

A bacterial infection caused by Salmonella Typhi, transmitted through contaminated food or water.

Bacterial intoxication

Illness resulting from ingesting toxins produced by bacteria.

Bacterial infection

Illness caused by the growth of bacteria within the body.

Bifidobacterium

A beneficial bacteria commonly found in the gut that aids digestion.

Lactobacillus

A genus of bacteria that helps in fermentation and promoting digestive health.

Shiga toxin

A potent toxin produced by some strains of bacteria, like Shigella and E. coli.

Antibiotic

A medication used to treat bacterial infections.

Incubation period

The time between exposure to a pathogen and the onset of symptoms.

Transmission of disease

The way a pathogen is spread from one host to another.

Pathogen

An organism that causes disease.

Defensins

Antimicrobial peptides produced by cells in the gut to protect against infection.

Lysozymes

Enzymes that break down bacterial cell walls, contributing to immune defense.

Anaerobes

Microorganisms that do not require oxygen for growth.

Facultative anaerobes

Microbes that can grow in both the presence and absence of oxygen.

Normal flora

The community of microorganisms that are normally present in a specific environment.

Cyst

A dormant form of a protozoan that can survive outside the host.

Trophozoite

The active, motile form of a protozoan.

Antimicrobial resistance

The ability of microorganisms to resist the effects of medication that once could successfully treat them.

E. coli

A bacterium that is part of the normal microbiota but can cause serious infections.

Enterotoxins

Toxins produced by bacteria that act on the intestines.

Polysaccharides

Carbohydrates formed by the combination of many sugar molecules.

Biofilm

A thin, slimy film of bacteria that adheres to a surface.

Mechanism of action

The specific biochemical interaction through which a drug substance produces its pharmacological effect.

Contagious disease

An infectious disease transmissible by direct contact with an infected person.

HCl acid production

The secretion of hydrochloric acid in the stomach that helps to kill pathogens.

Temperature abuse

Improper food storage or handling that allows bacteria to grow.