Infection Flashcards
(27 cards)
Infection occurring in large groups known as
Epidemic
What is an infection
A pathogen causing a state of disease
Infection occurring worldwide known as
Pandemic
Infection restricted to an area
Endemic
Place in which pathogen exists, reproduces and spreads to new hosts
Reservoir
Organism harbours disease no symptoms
Carrier
Intermediate carrier, transports pathogens from reservoir to host
Vector
Infected person/animal
Host
Capacity of microbes to cause/generate disease
Pathogenicity
Degree of pathogenicity of a specific microbe
Virulence
5 ways infection can be transmitted
Droplet transmission - air Direct contact - faeces Indirect contact - food Vectors - carried by animal/insect Nosocomial - via hospital/care facility
5 ways an infection may be acquired
Ingestion - microbes/faeces, lava, eggs Direct to blood stream - injection, open wounds, bites Sexual intercourse Inhalation Touch
Infection development
Define incubation period
Interval between initial exposure to infecting organism and first symptom
Infection development
Define prodromal period
Initial period before specific acute symptoms occur. Disease begun not yet clinically manifested.
Infection development
What is acute period
Sudden, rapid onset, severe - usually only for a few days
What is recovery/convalescent period
When recovering from illness
Debility
What is chronic infection
Infection with insidious/slow onset
IndefinTe or long duration
Progressive manifestations
6 examples host resistance
Intact skin/mucous membranes Body sections - stomach acid, tears Phagocytosis Interferon production Inflammatory response Immune system
6 ex microbial virulance
Invasive/destructive enzymes Endo/exo toxins Spore formation Colony formation Bacterial capsule/pili Ability to mutate - MRSA, HIV
5 ways to inhibit spread of infection
Reduce reservoir Stop droplet transmission - cover mouth Block method of fans titian - condom, gloves Kill organism Sterilisation
3 ways and result of sterilisation
All micro organisms and spores destroyed
Hot air - 30min at 180c
Autoclaving - steam - 20m at 120c
Bleach
Effect of disinfectants
Destroy pathogenic microbes but usually not spores
Effect of antiseptics
Reduce number organisms on skin but not spores - eg alcohol
Effect of pasteurisation
71.7c for 15-25 seconds
Will kill most pathogenic microbes but not spores
