Epidemiology and Infection Control Flashcards Preview

Microbiology & Infectious Disease > Epidemiology and Infection Control > Flashcards

Flashcards in Epidemiology and Infection Control Deck (13)
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1
Q

What are the various patterns of infection?(5)

A

Epidemic, Pandemic, Endemic, Sporadic and outbreak!

2
Q

Define epidemic!

A
  • usually high number of infected individuals in a population at one time. Can range from the small scale up to nationwide
    ex: Ebola in West Africa
3
Q

Define pandemic!

A
  • a world-wide epidemic
4
Q

Define endemic!

A
  • constantly present, usually affecting a small proportion of the population
    ex: MRSA is endemic to many hospitals
5
Q

Define sporadic!

A
  • individual cases in geographically separate areas

- incidents are not related

6
Q

Define outbreak!

A
  • a number of cases in a short period of time in the same area
  • assumed to be related
7
Q

What are the various carriers?

A

aute carrier and chronic carrier

8
Q

What is a carrier?

A
  • infected individual showing no obvious sign of disease
9
Q

Explain acute carrier!

A
  • before symptoms appear

- carrier state of short duration

10
Q

Explain chronic carrier!

A
  • long term
  • may have recovered from the disease but still harbour pathogens
  • may be asymptomatic
    ex: Hepatitis, TB, typhoid fever
11
Q

Types of immunization?

A
  • passive (antibody preparation)

- active (vaccines)

12
Q

Explain active immunization!

A
  • modified/purified pathogens or their product
  • stimulate host to produce own specific immunity
  • a few weeks lag before protection, but long lasting
13
Q

Explain passive immunization!

A
  • preformed antibodies created in another host
  • protect individual exposed to disease
  • work immediately but short term protection