Microorganisms & Human Diseases

Flashcards relating to Microbiology and Human Diseases topics.

Skin

Largest human organ, important for innate immune system. Includes the epidermis and dermis.

Skin Infections

Infectious microbes can cause a variety of rashes or lesions, varying in their physical characteristics.

External Eye Structures

Include the eyelids, cornea, lens, iris, pupil, and sclera.

Internal Eye Structures

Include the retina, macula, and vitreous humor.

Conjunctivitis

Inflammation of the conjunctiva, characterized by redness and irritation of the eye with a purulent discharge.

Staphylococci

Common bacteria associated with skin infections, including Staphylococcus epidermidis and Staphylococcus aureus.

Staphylococcal Skin Infections

S. aureus infection of hair follicles, which can be superficial (folliculitis) or deep (boil or furuncle).

Methicillin-resistant S. aureus (MRSA)

A type of S. aureus resistant to methicillin, posing a significant challenge in treating skin infections.

Impetigo

A superficial skin infection caused by S. aureus and group A strep, characterized by vesicles, pustules, or bullae that rupture, producing encrusted sores.

Acne

Result from blocked hair follicles or pores called comedones, often leading to infection by Cutibacterium acnes.

Tineas

Cutaneous mycoses caused by dermatophytes, including Trichophyton, Epidermophyton, and Microsporum.

Hepatitis

Inflammation of the liver, caused by infection, overconsumption of alcohol, toxic chemicals or autoimmune reactions.

Hepatitis A

Hepatitis virus that is self-limiting, has no asymptomatic carriers and is transmitted via the fecal-oral route

Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs)

Infections transmitted through sexual activity, genital, oral-genital, or anal-genital contact.

Syphilis

Caused by Treponema pallidum and transmitted through sexual contact; progresses through primary, secondary, and tertiary stages.

Genital Herpes

Characterized by recurring outbreaks of skin vesicles on genitalia and elsewhere, caused by herpes simplex virus (HSV-1 or HSV-2).

Vulvovaginal Candidiasis (Yeast Infection)

Caused by Candida albicans (most common) & Candida glabrata, leading to irritation, itching, dysuria, inflammation, & a thick white or yellow discharge and odor is present.

Salmonellosis

A bacterial infection caused by Salmonella enterica and Salmonella bongori resulting from ingestion of contaminated food or water

Peptic Ulcers

A bacterial infection caused by Helicobacter pylori, transmitted through person-to-person contact that can lead to stomach ulcers.

Amoebiasis

Protozoan infection caused by Entamoeba histolytica, transmitted through contaminated food or water resulting in diarrheal symptoms

Ascariasis

Common helminthic infection caused by Ascari lumbricoides, where eggs in fecally contaminated food or water

Common Cold

These are commonly spread infections, that lead to a runny nose, congestion, sore throat, sneezing, headaches and muscle aches.