Bloodborne, Oral, and Respiratory Pathogens – Key Vocabulary

Vocabulary flashcards covering viruses, bacteria, and related diseases discussed in the lecture.

Varicella-Zoster Virus (HSV-3)

Herpes virus that causes chickenpox on primary infection and shingles on reactivation.

Chickenpox

Highly contagious primary infection with varicella-zoster virus, usually occurs once in a lifetime.

Shingles

Painful, contagious reactivation of varicella-zoster virus in someone who previously had chickenpox.

Epstein-Barr Virus (HSV-4)

Herpes virus responsible for infectious mononucleosis; transmitted mainly through saliva.

Infectious Mononucleosis

Illness caused by Epstein-Barr virus; nicknamed the “kissing disease.”

Petechiae

Tiny red pinpoint spots that may appear on the soft palate in mononucleosis.

Streptococcus pyogenes

Spherical (coccus) bacterium that causes strep throat and scarlet fever.

Strep Throat (Streptococcal Pharyngitis)

Respiratory infection by Streptococcus pyogenes characterized by white, pus-filled lesions in the throat.

Scarlet Fever

Strep throat accompanied by a characteristic skin rash, also caused by Streptococcus pyogenes.

Mycobacterium tuberculosis

Bacterium that causes tuberculosis; requires prolonged exposure for transmission.

Tuberculosis (TB)

Lung infection by Mycobacterium tuberculosis; health-care workers are tested annually for it.

Streptococcus pneumoniae

Spherical bacterium that can cause pneumonia, middle ear infections, and bacterial meningitis.

Pneumonia (Bacterial)

Lung infection that may be treated with antibiotics when caused by Streptococcus pneumoniae.

Middle Ear Infection (Otitis Media)

Common childhood ear infection most often caused by Streptococcus pneumoniae.

Bacterial Meningitis

Severe infection of the protective membranes of the brain and spinal cord; Streptococcus pneumoniae is a leading cause.

Cytomegalovirus (HSV-5)

Herpes virus type 5; less common and not a primary dental concern.

Human Herpesvirus 6 (HSV-6)

Another herpes family member mentioned as not common or clinically significant in this context.

Human Herpesvirus 7 (HSV-7)

Herpes virus of uncertain clinical role; acknowledged existence but not a major concern in dentistry.

Human Herpesvirus 8 (HSV-8)

Less common herpes virus type; not highlighted as a dental concern in the lecture.

“Kissing Disease”

Colloquial term for infectious mononucleosis due to its saliva-borne transmission.