Micro Ch 14, Disease and Epidemiology part 1

Pathology

The study of disease and the processes which lead to disease and death.

Etiology

The study of the causative agent of diseases.

Epidemiology

The study of an epidemic or the study of an outbreak of a disease, including its source and effects.

Pathogen

Any organism that can cause a disease.

Colonization

The act of living in an area; microorganisms that live in an area without causing disease.

Contamination

The presence of microbes that do not normally live in a particular area.

Infection

An invasion or colonization of an area by a pathogenic microbe that can cause disease.

Disease

A disturbance in homeostasis, disrupting the normal functioning of the body.

Infectious Disease

An illness caused by the presence of a pathogen, which can be spread to others.

Sepsis

Poisoning due to toxins from microbes, often associated with systemic infection.

Septicemia

A type of sepsis characterized by the presence of bacteria in the bloodstream.

Primary Infection

The first sign of infection in an otherwise healthy individual.

Secondary Infection

An infection that occurs after another infection.

Superinfection

A secondary infection that occurs due to a decrease in resident flora, usually after antibiotic treatment.

Mixed Infection

An infection caused by more than one pathogen.

Symbiosis

The process of more than one organism living together.

Commensalism

A symbiotic relationship where one organism benefits and the other is neither benefited nor harmed.

Mutualism

A symbiotic relationship where both organisms benefit.

Opportunistic Flora

Microbes that can cause disease under specific circumstances.

Nosocomial Infection

An infection acquired in a hospital setting.

Resident Flora

Microbes that occupy an area indefinitely, forming a part of the microbiome.

Transient Flora

Microbes that are temporary residents and can be eliminated from the body.

Opportunistic Flora

Microbes that can cause disease when conditions are favorable.

Microbiome

The living microbes in a specific area, often used to describe the microorganisms in the human body.