ELISA and Immune Responses in Infectious Diseases

A collection of 150 flashcards covering vocabulary related to the ELISA Simulation Kit and the principles of antibody-mediated immunity as discussed in class.

ELISA

Enzyme-linked immunoassay, a test to detect antibodies in blood serum.

Antibody-mediated immunity

The immune response that involves antibodies produced by B cells to identify and neutralize pathogens.

Pathogen

A tiny disease-causing agent, such as viruses, bacteria, and protozoa.

Nonspecific immune system

A part of the immune system that responds to pathogens without specificity, utilizing barriers and general immune responses.

Specific immune system

A part of the immune system that tailors its response to specific pathogens, involving lymphocytes.

Antigen

A molecule or fragment of a pathogen that triggers an immune response.

Antibody

A serum protein that specifically binds to an antigen to neutralize it.

Phagocytosis

The process by which certain cells, like macrophages and neutrophils, engulf and digest pathogens.

Inflammatory response

A nonspecific immune response that increases blood flow to an injured area, causing redness and swelling.

Neutrophils

White blood cells that are the first responders at an infection site, helping to engulf and destroy pathogens.

Macrophages

Large phagocytic cells that develop from monocytes and help engulf pathogens.

Complement system

A group of proteins that enhance the ability of antibodies and phagocytic cells to clear pathogens.

Interferon proteins

Antiviral proteins that assist in immune responses against viral infections.

Natural killer cells

A type of lymphocyte that plays a role in the nonspecific immune response by attacking abnormal or infected body cells.

Dendritic cells

Antigen-presenting cells that help initiate specific immune responses.

B cells

A type of lymphocyte that produces antibodies in response to antigens.

T cells

Lymphocytes that play a central role in cell-mediated immunity.

Antigen-antibody complex

The structure formed when an antibody binds to its specific antigen.

Y-shaped structure of antibodies

The basic structure of antibodies that allows them to bind specifically to antigens.

Antigenic fragments

Pieces of antigens that are displayed on the surface of antigen-presenting cells.

Mucous membranes

Moist tissue layers that line various body cavities and secrete mucus as a protective barrier.

Skin barrier

The body's outermost protective layer that acts as a primary defense against pathogens.

Fever

A rise in body temperature that can inhibit the growth of pathogens.

Respiratory pathogens

Pathogens that primarily affect the respiratory system.

Sinusitis

Inflammation of the sinuses, can be caused by infections or allergies.

Pharyngitis

Inflammation or infection of the pharynx, often leading to a sore throat.

Epiglottitis

An infection of the epiglottis that can cause airway obstruction.

Laryngitis

Viral infection of the larynx, associated with upper respiratory symptoms.

Bronchitis

Inflammation of the bronchial tubes, can be acute or chronic.

Virology

The study of viruses and viral diseases.

Pneumonia

Lung inflammation caused by bacteria, viruses, or other microorganisms.

Community-acquired pneumonia (CAP)

Pneumonia acquired outside of a healthcare setting.

Hospital-acquired pneumonia (HAP)

Pneumonia acquired during hospitalization.

Ventilator-associated pneumonia (VAP)

Pneumonia that develops in patients on mechanical ventilation.

Aspiration pneumonia

Pneumonia resulting from inhalation of foreign material into the lungs.

Tuberculosis (TB)

An infectious airborne disease caused by Mycobacterium tuberculosis.

Biological warfare

The use of pathogenic biological agents to harm civilian populations.

Influenza

A highly contagious viral infection caused by the influenza virus.

H5N1 virus

A subtype of influenza A virus known as bird flu.

Antigen presenting cells

Cells that display antigens to T cells to initiate an immune response.

Immunoglobulins

Another term for antibodies, proteins produced by B cells.

Antibody generator

The origin of the term 'antigen,' referring to substances that stimulate antibody production.

Pathogen invasion

The process by which harmful microorganisms enter and multiply in the body.

Disease transmission

The process through which pathogens spread from one individual to another.

Hypothetical scenarios

Fictitious situations used for educational purposes in simulations.

Hands-on simulation

Interactive learning activity that allows students to practice techniques in a controlled environment.

Investigation approach

A method of learning that encourages exploring and diagnosing problems.

Serum samples

Blood samples used to test for antibodies against infections.

Laboratory test

Analytical procedures conducted to assess health or diagnose disease.

Indirect ELISA

A method of ELISA used to detect the presence of antibodies rather than antigens.

Simulated reagents

Substances that mimic real biological materials used for educational simulations.

Clinical diagnoses

Determining the nature of a disease based on tests and symptoms.

Immune response

The reaction of the immune system to foreign invaders.

Barriers to infection

Physical and biological obstacles that prevent pathogens from entering the body.

Body's defense mechanisms

Various strategies employed by the immune system to ward off diseases.

Viral pathogens

Pathogens that cause diseases primarily through viral infections.

Bacterial pathogens

Pathogens that cause infections due to bacterial growth.

Protozoan pathogens

Single-celled organisms that can cause diseases.

Specificity of immune response

The tailored nature of the immune response to particular pathogenic threats.

Clinical immunology

The branch of medicine dealing with immune system disorders.

Immunology

The study of the immune system and its functions.

Immune cell activation

The process by which immune cells are mobilized in response to pathogens.

Antibody production

The process by which B cells create antibodies in response to antigens.

Quarantine measures

Isolation practices implemented to prevent the spread of infectious diseases.

Transmission routes

The pathways through which infections spread from one individual to another.

Infectious disease control

Strategies employed to reduce the incidence of infections.

Lymphatic system

A part of the immune system that includes lymph nodes and vessels.

Autoimmunity

A condition where the immune system attacks the body's own cells.

Immune tolerance

A state in which the immune system does not react against self-antigens.

Vaccination

The administration of a vaccine to stimulate an immune response against specific pathogens.

Antigenic variation

The ability of pathogens to change their surface proteins to evade immune detection.

Chronic infection

An infection that persists over a long period of time.

Acute infection

An infection that occurs suddenly and lasts for a short period.

Public health initiatives

Programs designed to improve health and prevent disease in the community.

Pathogen eradication

The complete elimination of a pathogen from a defined area.

Seroprevalence studies

Research to determine the prevalence of antibodies in a population.

Laboratory safety protocols

Guidelines implemented to ensure safety while handling biological materials.

Biological agents

Microorganisms or toxins used in biological warfare or terrorism.

Emerging infectious diseases

Newly identified or previously unrecognized infections.

Epidemiology

The study of how diseases spread and can be controlled.

Public health education

Information disseminated to increase awareness about health issues.

Infection prevention methods

Strategies aimed at minimizing the risk of infection transmission.

Immunity testing

Tests conducted to evaluate a person's immune status.

Pathogen detection methods

Techniques to identify the presence of infectious agents in samples.

ELISA kit

A set of components used to perform an ELISA test.

Clinical microbiology

The study of microorganisms that cause infectious diseases in humans.

Antiviral drugs

Medications used to treat infections caused by viruses.

Public health surveillance

Continuous monitoring of health indicators in populations.

Infection control measures

Procedures to reduce the spread of infections in healthcare settings.

Adaptive immunity

The immune response that changes according to the type of pathogen encountered.

Immunization schedules

Timelines for administering vaccines to individuals.

In- vitro studies

Laboratory experiments conducted outside of a living organism.

Pathogen characterization

The analysis of particular attributes of a pathogen.

Health care-associated infections

Infections acquired during the course of receiving treatment in a healthcare facility.

Contagious diseases

Diseases that can be transmitted from one person to another.

Longitudinal studies

Research conducted over a long period to observe outcomes.

Tertiary prevention

Strategies to reduce the impact of an ongoing illness or injury.

Microbial resistance

The ability of microbes to resist the effects of medication.

Clinical trials

Research studies to test new treatments or interventions.