Immunolgy Flashcards
(15 cards)
Pathogenic
An organism that causes damage to its host
Infectious
A disease that may be transmitted from one individual to another
Carrier
Shows no symptoms when infected but can pass the disease on to another
Disease reservoir
Where a pathogen is normally found; this may be in humans or another animal and may be a source of infection
Endemic
A disease which is always present at low levels in an area
Epidemic
Where there is a significant increase in the usual number of cases of a disease often associated with a rapid spread
Pandemic
A global epidemic
Vaccine
Uses non-pathogenic forms, products or antigens of microorganisms to stimulate an immune response, which confers protection against subsequent infection
Antibiotic
Substances produced by microorganisms that affects the growth of other microorganisms
Antigen
A molecule that causes an immune response
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
Vector
A living organism which transfers a disease from one individual to another
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 microbial species, which may be used to trace infections. They’re usually identified by using antibodies from serum
