Skin, Eye, and Respiratory Infections Study Flashcards

Key Terms and Definitions

  • Abscess: A localized collection of pus within a tissue.
  • Aerotolerant: Describes a microorganism that does not use oxygen but can survive in its presence.
  • Antigenic Shift: A sudden, major change in the surface antigens (hemagglutinin and neuraminidase) of an influenza virus, often resulting in a new subtype that can evade the host immune response and potentially cause a pandemic.
  • $\beta$-hemolytic: Refers to bacteria that completely lyse red blood cells, creating a clear zone on blood agar.
  • Biofilm: A microbial community encased in an extracellular matrix, typically attached to a surface.
  • Bullae: Large, fluid-filled blisters.
  • Carbuncle: A group of interconnected abscesses.
  • Cellulitis: An inflammation of the tissues beneath the skin.
  • Comedones: Non-inflammatory lesions (whiteheads and blackheads) that occur when hair follicles are clogged.
  • Commensals: Microorganisms that live in a symbiotic relationship with a host, where one benefits and the other is neither harmed nor benefited.
  • Conjunctiva: The mucous membrane that covers the front of the eye and lines the inside of the eyelids.
  • Cutaneous Anthrax: An infection caused by Bacillus anthracis entering through skin abrasions, characterized by an eschar.
  • Defensins: Antimicrobial peptides that are part of the innate immune system.
  • Dermis: The layer of skin below the epidermis.
  • Diphtheria Exotoxin: A potent toxin secreted by pathogenic strains of Corynebacterium diphtheriae that kills host cells.
  • Eschar: A pustule of necrotic tissue, characteristic of cutaneous anthrax.
  • Erysipelas: An infection of the dermis and subcutaneous tissues, often on the legs or face.
  • Erythrogenic Exotoxins: Toxins produced by Streptococcus pyogenes that cause inflammation and reddening, leading to the rash seen in scarlet fever.
  • Facultative Anaerobes: Microorganisms that can grow with or without oxygen.
  • Folliculitis: Inflammation of a hair follicle.
  • Furuncle: A painful, pus-filled abscess associated with a hair follicle.
  • Granulomatous Disease: A chronic inflammatory condition characterized by the formation of granulomas (clusters of immune cells).
  • Hemagglutinin: A viral protein on the surface of influenza viruses that binds to host cells.
  • Hemolysins: Toxins produced by some bacteria that lyse red blood cells.
  • Koplik's Spots: Small, white spots on the inner lining of the cheek, characteristic of measles.
  • Latency: The ability of a virus to remain dormant within host cells for extended periods.
  • Leukocidins: Toxins produced by some bacteria that kill white blood cells.
  • Lysozyme: An enzyme found in mucus and other secretions that breaks down bacterial cell walls.
  • Mantoux Tuberculin Skin Test: A test used to screen for exposure to Mycobacterium tuberculosis.
  • Mucociliary Escalator Effect: The process by which ciliated epithelial cells in the respiratory tract move mucus and trapped particles up towards the pharynx to be swallowed or coughed out.
  • Necrotizing Fasciitis: A severe bacterial infection that rapidly destroys connective tissue, muscle, fat, and skin ("flesh-eating disease").
  • Neonatal Conjunctivitis: Conjunctivitis in newborns, often caused by exposure to pathogens like Chlamydia trachomatis or Neisseria gonorrhoeae during birth.
  • Neuraminidase: A viral enzyme on the surface of influenza viruses that helps release new virions from host cells.
  • Otitis Externa: An infection of the ear canal (swimmer's ear).
  • Otitis Media: An infection of the middle ear.
  • Papillomas: Benign growths caused by the Human Papillomavirus (HPV).
  • Pertussis Toxin (PT): An exotoxin secreted by Bordetella pertussis that contributes to the symptoms of whooping cough.
  • Pharyngitis: Inflammation of the throat (strep throat).
  • Pneumonia: An infection and inflammation of the lungs with accumulation of fluids.
  • Pseudomembrane: A thick layer of dead cells, fibrin, and bacteria that forms in the throat in diphtheria.
  • Purulent: Containing pus.
  • Pustules: Small, pus-filled lesions.
  • Reye Syndrome: A serious condition that can occur after viral infections (like influenza or chickenpox) in children, causing swelling in the liver and brain.
  • Scarlet Fever: A rash caused by erythrogenic exotoxins released by Streptococcus pyogenes in some cases of strep throat.
  • Scalded Skin Syndrome: A condition in infants and young children caused by Staphylococcus aureus exotoxins, where the epidermis peels off.
  • Sebum: An oily substance produced by sebaceous glands in the skin.
  • Streptococcal Pharyngitis: Another name for strep throat, caused by Streptococcus pyogenes.
  • Transients: Microorganisms that are temporarily present on the skin.