Microbiology and Immunology Review

Vocabulary-style flashcards covering antimicrobial agents, immunology definitions, taxonomic classification, microbial groups, and biochemical identification tests based on the lecture notes.

Antibiotics

Antimicrobial agents naturally produced by molds and bacteria that inhibit or kill other microbes.

Fosfomycin

A broad-spectrum antibiotic that targets cell wall synthesis in both Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria.

Penicillin

A bactericidal antibiotic that inhibits cell wall synthesis, primarily targeting Gram-positive bacteria.

Bacitracin

An antibiotic produced by Bacillus that targets cell wall synthesis; it is notably toxic to kidneys.

Vancomycin

A bactericidal antibiotic targeting Gram-positive bacteria and spirochetes by inhibiting cell wall synthesis.

Chloramphenicol

A broad-spectrum, bacteriostatic antibiotic produced by actinomycetes that inhibits protein synthesis.

Macrolides

A group of antibiotics (e.g., Erythromycin) that inhibit protein synthesis and serve as a good alternative for patients allergic to penicillin.

Tetracycline

A broad-spectrum, bacteriostatic antibiotic that inhibits protein synthesis; side effects include depositing in bone and staining teeth.

Streptomycin

A bactericidal antibiotic that inhibits protein synthesis in both Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria.

Polymyxins

Antibiotics produced by Bacillus that cause injury to the cell membrane; used against Gram-negative bacteria like Pseudomonas, but toxic to kidneys and the central nervous system.

Imidazole

An antimicrobial agent used specifically for treating fungal infections by causing injury to the cell membrane.

Actinomycin

An agent that inhibits nucleic acid synthesis, used as an antitumor agent and against some DNA viruses.

Novobiocin

A bactericidal antibiotic for Gram-positive bacteria that inhibits nucleic acid synthesis by interfering with DNA coiling; used to treat UTIs.

Spectrum of Activity

Broad-spectrum drugs affect a wide range of bacteria but can disrupt normal flora; narrow-spectrum drugs affect a limited range and require pathogen identification.

Therapeutic Index Ratio

The ratio of the dose toxic to the patient versus the dose toxic to the bacteria.

Synergistic Relationship

A drug relationship where one drug enhances the effect of another.

Antagonistic Relationship

A drug relationship where drugs interfere with each other.

Additive Relationship

A drug relationship resulting in neither enhancement nor interference between the drugs.

Bacteriostatic

Drugs that inhibit microbial growth (e.g., Sulfa drugs) and depend on host defenses to eliminate the pathogen.

Bactericidal

Drugs that kill bacteria directly; used when host defenses are unreliable.

Immunology

The study of specific immunity and how the immune system responds to infectious agents.

Antigens

Any substance that elicits a response from the immune system.

Antibodies (Immunoglobulins)

Proteins produced in response to an antigen that are capable of binding to it.

Innate (genetic) immunity

The immunity an individual is born with.

Acquired immunity

Immunity obtained after conception; Active involves making one's own antibodies, and Passive involves receiving ready-made antibodies.

IgG

An immunoglobulin that provides long-term resistance to disease and is the only type capable of crossing the placenta.

Humoral Immunity

Immunity released by B cells that defends against bacteria and viruses free in the blood.

Cell-Mediated Immunity

Immunity that defends against pathogens located inside body cells.

Taxonomy

A field involving identification (characterizing an isolate), classification (arranging into groups), and nomenclature (assigning names).

Binomial Nomenclature

A two-name system using a capitalized Genus and a lowercase species, both of which are italicized or underlined.

3 Domains of Life

Archaea (the oldest), Bacteria, and Eukarya.

7 Categories of Classification

Kingdom, Phylum (or Division), Class, Order, Family, Genus, Species.

5 Kingdoms

Monera, Protista, Plantae, Fungi, Animalia.

Genotype vs. Phenotype

Genotype is the genetic makeup of an organism, while phenotype refers to the physical characteristics.

Mycology

The study of fungi, which are grouped by morphology into yeast, mold, and mushrooms.

Protozoology

The study of protozoa, which are classified based on their method of locomotion.

Phycology

The study of algae (also called Alcology), classified by color, cell wall structure, and motility.

Slime Molds

Organisms unrelated to true fungi that represent convergent evolution by developing similar traits due to similar environments.

Helminths (Nematodes)

Roundworms with cylindrical bodies that enter the host via the mouth, skin penetration, or undercooked meat.

Arthropod Vectors

Mechanical vectors (e.g., flies) carry microbes externally; Biological vectors (e.g., mosquitoes) transmit parasites through bites.

Methyl Red Test

A biochemical test used to detect acid production from glucose.

Citrate Test

A biochemical test to detect organisms that use citrate as their main carbon source.

Catalase Test

Detects the enzyme that oxidizes $H_2O_2$ to $H_2O$ and $O_2$.

Indole Test

A biochemical test used to detect the breakdown of tryptophan.

Urease Test

A biochemical test used to detect the decomposition of urea.

Nitrate Reduction Test

A biochemical test used to detect the reduction of nitrate to nitrite.

Hydrogen Sulfide Test

Part of SIM/TSI tests to detect the production of $H_2S$.

Toxoplasma gondii

A parasite noted for being transmitted via cat feces.

Plasmodium species

The causative agents of Malaria, transmitted by mosquitoes as biological vectors.