Pharmacology Flashcards
Define infection
The invasion and growth of germs in the body. The germs may be bacteria, viruses, yeast, fungi, or other microorganisms. Infections can begin anywhere in the body and may spread through it
Define pathogen
is an organism that causes disease.
Define causative agent
refers to a biological agent that causes a disease.
E.g.: the parasite Plasmodia is the causative agent of malaria
Define immunity
can be defined as a complex biological system endowed with the capacity to recognize and tolerate whatever belongs to the self, and to recognize and reject what is foreign
Define vectors
are a human or animal carrier of disease. “The vector, the Anopheles species mosquito, transmits plasmodia, which are contained in its saliva, into its host while obtaining a blood meal”
Define formite
refers to inanimate objects that can carry and spread disease and infectious agents. e.g clothing, blankets
Define sporadic
refers to a disease that occurs infrequently and irregularly.
Define endemic
Refers to the constant presence and/or usual prevalence of a disease or infectious agent in a population within a geographical area
Define epidemic
Refers to an increase, often sudden, in the number of cases of a disease above what is normally expected in that population in that area
Define pandemic
refers to an epidemic that has spread over several countries or continents, usually affecting a large number of people
Define incubation period
Is the number of days between when a person becomes infected with something and when they might exhibit symptoms. The organism develops and multiplies during this time
Define quarantine
separates and restricts the movement of people who were exposed to a contagious disease to see if they become sick
Define isolation
Separates sick people with a contagious disease from people who are not sick
Define localised infection
An infection that affects only one body part or organ is called a localized infection.
e.g: An ear infection or and abscess on the leg
Define systemic infection
An infection that is in the bloodstream is called a systemic infection. e.g. Flu or Chickenpox
Define nosocomial infections
Also called the health care associated or hospital acquired infections, are a subset of infectious diseases acquired in a health care facility. To be considered nosocomial, the infection cannot be present at admission: rather it must develop at least 48 hours after admission e.g MRSA/ CPE
Define cleaning
The process to remove visible contaminants such as dust, dirt, blood or organic matter
Define disinfection
The process of cleaning something, especially with a chemical, in order to destroy bacteria
Define sterilisation
The process used to render an object free from all living organisms. Normally done by using heat.
A steam steriliser would be most appropriate.
What is healthcare risk waste
That which is potentially dangerous, or infectious.
•It may be sharp items, biological, chemical, or radio-active in content.
•It would also include wipes or other cleaning products, used to clean surface following a patient contact
Define healthcare Non risk waste
That which is not hazardous to those who may come into contact with it.
•It may include; packaging of items used, or items which would be suitable for a domestic bin
What is the full name for CPE
Carbapenase-Producing Enterobacteriaceae. (CPE).
What is CPE
The newest in a long line of superbugs that are hard to kill with antibiotics.
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•CPE lives harmlessly in the gut but can be dangerous if it gets into the bloodstream; more than half of all patients who develop bloodstream infections with CPE die as a result of
Who does CPE pose a particular risk to
Older people or people with reduced immune system function
How does CPE spread
The bugs are shed in faeces and transmitted by direct and indirect contact with an infected person.
How long between contact and detection may elapse for CPE
A period of four weeks or more may elapse between contact and detection.
