Disease-Producing Microorganisms and Infectious Disease Processes

A set of vocabulary flashcards defining key terminology, microorganism types, disease transmission mechanisms, and parasitic classifications from Medical Studies 10 / HCS 1100.

Bacteria

Tiny, single-celled organisms that can be beneficial or harmful.

Viruses

Extremely small non-living agents that multiply only in living cells.

Fungi

Eukaryotic organisms similar to yeast and molds.

Protozoa

Single-celled eukaryotes that feed on microorganisms.

Prions

Infectious protein that can cause other proteins to change shape.

Cocci

Bacteria whose cells are round.

Bacilli

Bacteria whose cells are straight, slender rods.

Curved rods

Bacteria consisting of short rods with a slight curve.

Normal flora

Populations of microorganisms that normally live on or in our body to crowd out and prevent the growth of harmful bacteria.

Ascaris

A roundworm found in rural Asia that infects the lungs and intestines.

Pinworms

Roundworms common in children that live in the digestive system and spread through touching the mouth.

Tapeworm

A flatworm that grows in the intestines and is spread by uncooked meat.

Disease

An abnormality of the structure or function of a part, organ, or system.

Predisposing causes of disease

Factors that increase the probability of a person becoming ill.

Pathogen

Any disease-causing organism.

Local infection

An infection restricted to a small part of the body.

General or systemic infection

An infection affecting the whole body.

Opportunistic infection

An infection in a person with a weak immune system.

Communicable disease

A disease that can be spread from one person to the next.

Direct contact transmission

Transmission of a communicable disease through direct physical interaction, such as touch.

Indirect contact transmission

Transmission of a communicable disease through intermediate sources, such as touching objects, food, or insects.

Host

A living organism where a parasite lives.

Carrier

An organism, air, water, or bodily fluids that carries a pathogen.

Vector

An insect or animal that transmits a disease.

Portals of entry and exit

Routes by which pathogens enter or leave the body, including skin, respiratory system, digestive system, urinary system, or reproductive system.