NUR 334 Module 3: Antibiotics, Immunity, & Antifungals

Comprehensive practice flashcards covering antibiotic classes, immune system modulation, vaccines, and treatments for fungal, viral, and skin infections.

Antigen

A bacterium, virus, or foreign protein that invades the body.

Antibody

Special proteins made by the body in response to sensing the foreign antigen.

Antigen-antibody response

A specific antigen causes the body to produce a specific antibody that reacts specifically with that antigen.

Innate Immunity

The body’s protective barriers such as skin, mucous membranes, and chemical or cellular barriers; it handles smaller, day-to-day exposure and does not provide long-lasting immunity.

Humoral "Acquired" Immunity

A long-acting learned response where B lymphocytes produce antibodies.

Active natural immunity

Immunity achieved by contracting a disease and producing memory cells.

Active artificial immunity

Immunity achieved by receiving a vaccination and producing memory cells.

Passive natural immunity

Immunity achieved by receiving maternal antibodies through the placenta or breast milk.

Passive artificial immunity

Immunity achieved by receiving antiserum with antibodies from another host.

Vaccine

A preparation of a synthetic, killed, or weakened form of a bacteria or virus given to stimulate antibody production by B lymphocytes against a certain disease.

Immunization

The result of successful vaccination that causes a person to develop antibodies providing immunity against the substance in the vaccine.

Attenuated vaccine

A vaccine containing live, weakened organisms, such as MMR.

Inactivated vaccine

A vaccine containing pathogens destroyed by heat or chemicals, such as Influenza and Hepatitis, which often requires boosters.

Toxoid vaccine

A chemically modified vaccine, such as Tetanus.

Hepatitis B (Engerix-B, Recombivax HB)

A vaccine requiring three intramuscular (IM) injections in the deltoid; immunosuppressants will decrease its effectiveness.

Interferons (IFNs)

Proteins released by host cells in response to viruses that interfere with viral replication and activate immune defenses such as natural killer cells and macrophages.

Interferon Alfa

An immunostimulant and biologic response modifier used as an antiviral, anticancer, and anti-inflammatory treatment; adverse effects include depression, suicidal ideation (SI), hepatotoxicity, and neurotoxicity.

Cyclosporine

An immunosuppressant and DMARD that inhibits normal immune responses by inhibiting interleukin-2; used to prevent organ transplant rejection and slow RA or psoriasis.

Pathogenicity

The ability of an organism to cause infection.

Virulence

The severity of disease a pathogen is able to cause.

Gram-positive bacteria

Bacteria with thick walls that retain purple stain, such as Staphylococci, Streptococci, and Enterococci.

Gram-negative bacteria

Bacteria with thinner walls that lose violet stain, such as Escherichia coli, Klebsiella, Pseudomonas, and Salmonella.

Culture and sensitivity testing (C&S)

A test to identify the organism and determine an effective antibiotic; specimens should be collected prior to starting antibiotics.

Bacteriostatic

Anti-infectives that slow growth and prevent bacteria from multiplying until the body's white blood cells and antibodies can eliminate them.

Bactericidal

Anti-infectives that kill bacteria.

penicillin G

A natural penicillin and cell wall inhibitor used for Streptococci and meningitis; it has cross-sensitivity with Cephalosporins and can cause anaphylaxis weeks into treatment.

Cefazolin and Cephalexin

First-generation Cephalosporins that bind to bacterial cell walls causing death; they carry a risk of nephrotoxicity when used with aminoglycosides or vancomycin.

Tetracycline

A protein synthesis inhibitor used for H. Pylori and Lyme disease; side effects include photosensitivity, tooth discoloration, and it is contraindicated in children <8 and pregnancy.

Azithromycin

A Macrolide drug that serves as a safe alternative to penicillin; used for URI and Strep pharyngitis.

Gentamicin

An Aminoglycoside used for serious Gram-negative infections; known for serious neurotoxicity (ototoxicity) and nephrotoxicity.

Ciprofloxacin and Levofloxacin

Fluoroquinolones that inhibit bacterial DNA synthesis; they carry a Black Box Warning for tendon rupture, peripheral neuropathy, and CNS effects.

Trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole

A sulfonamide and folic acid inhibitor used for UTIs; side effects include crystalluria and Stevens-Johnson Syndrome (SJS).

Vancomycin

A glycopeptide cell wall synthesis inhibitor used for life-threatening infections; side effects include Red Man Syndrome, which requires decreasing the administration rate.

Superinfection

A secondary infection, such as thrush, vaginal yeast infections, or C-diff (pseudomembranous colitis), that occurs when antibiotics kill flora.

Isoniazid (INH)

A mycolic acid inhibitor and first-line treatment for TB; neurotoxicity is a side effect and the overdose treatment is Vitamin $B_6$ pyridoxine.

Amphotericin B

An antifungal used for systemic fungal infections; can cause hepatotoxicity and nephrotoxicity.

Nystatin

An antifungal used for Candida infections of the vagina, mouth, and skin; available in cream, powder, and PO suspension (swish and swallow).

Metronidazole (Flagyl)

An antiprotozoal and anti-infective used for anaerobic infections; common side effect is an unpleasant metallic taste.

Mebendazole

An antiparasitic used to kill helminths like pinworms and roundworms; high-fat foods should be avoided as they increase absorption.

Highly Active Antiretroviral therapy (HAART)

A treatment strategy for HIV to suppress viral load, restore immune function, and reduce morbidity.

CD4 T lymphocyte count

A lab test estimating immune system damage; normal is 500-1400, while a count <200 copies/mL indicates AIDS.

Zidovudine (AZT, Retrovir)

An NRTI that prevents viral replication; carries a BBW for fatal lactic acidosis with hepatomegaly and bone marrow suppression.

Efavirenz (Sustiva)

An NNRTI that disrupts DNA synthesis; should be taken at bedtime to limit CNS effects like nightmares and delusions.

Postexposure Prophylaxis (PEP)

ART started within 72 hours after exposure to an HIV-positive client, continuing for a 4-week course.

Acyclovir

An antiviral used to inhibit viral replication in Herpes simplex virus (HSV) and chicken pox; it does not cure the virus but lowers the frequency of acute episodes.

Permethrin

A scabicide and pediculide used to kill head lice and mites by disrupting sodium transport in nerve cells.

Tretinoin

A retinoid used for acne and facial wrinkles; it is a teratogen and is contraindicated in pregnancy.