immunology and disease Flashcards
infection
transmissible disease often acquired by inhalation, ingestion or physical contact
endemic
disease which is always present, constant at low levels in a population
carrier
individual infected by a disease causing organism, shows no symptoms but can pass the disease on to another organism
disease reservoir
long-term host of a pathogen with few symptoms, always a potential source of disease outbreak
pandemic
epidemic over a very wide area. crossing international boundaries, affecting a large number of people
antigen
molecule that causes immune system to produce antibodies against it
pathogenic
organism that causes damage to its host
epidemic
Where there is a significant increase in the usual number of cases of a disease, often associated with a rapid spread
Vaccine
Uses non-pathogenic forms, products or antigens of micro-organisms to stimulate an immune response, which confers protection against subsequent infection.
Antibiotic
Substances produced by microorganisms that affect the growth of other microorganisms.
Antibiotic resistance
Where a microorganism, which should be affected by an antibiotic, is no longer susceptible to it.
Antibody
A protein produced by the immune system to recognise and destroy antigens.
Toxin
A chemical produced by a microorganism which causes damage to its host
antigenic type
organisms with the same or very similar antigens on the surface. Such types are subgroups or strains of a microbial species, which may be used to trace infections. They are usually identified by using antibodies from serum.
