infection control vocab

Question 1

prokaryote

Answer 1

A type of cell that does not have a nucleus or other membrane-bound organelles

Example: Bacteria are prokaryotes.

Question 2

eukaryote

Answer 2

A type of cell that has a nucleus and other membrane-bound organelles

Example: Human cells are eukaryotes.

Question 3

bacteria

Answer 3

Single-celled microorganisms that can be beneficial or harmful

Example: E. coli is a type of bacteria.

Question 4

aerobe

Answer 4

An organism that requires oxygen to survive

Example: Humans are aerobes.

Question 5

anaerobe

Answer 5

An organism that does not require oxygen to survive

Example: Clostridium botulinum is an anaerobe.

Question 6

morphology

Answer 6

The study of the form and structure of organisms

Example: Morphology can help identify different types of bacteria.

Question 7

virus

Answer 7

A microscopic infectious agent that can replicate only inside the living cells of organisms

Example: Influenza is caused by a virus.

Question 8

fungi

Answer 8

A group of organisms that includes yeasts, molds, and mushrooms

Example: Candida albicans is a type of fungi.

Question 9

protozoa

Answer 9

Single-celled organisms that are classified as part of the protist kingdom

Example: Amoeba is a type of protozoa.

Question 10

parasite

Answer 10

An organism that lives on or in another organism (the host) and benefits by deriving nutrients at the host’s expense

Example: Malaria is caused by a parasite.

Question 11

pathogen

Answer 11

A microorganism that can cause disease

Example: Salmonella is a pathogen.

Question 12

OSHA

Answer 12

Occupational Safety and Health Administration, a federal agency that oversees workplace safety

Example: OSHA sets regulations to protect workers from hazards.

Question 13

rickettsiae

Answer 13

A type of bacteria that are obligate intracellular parasites

Example: Rocky Mountain spotted fever is caused by rickettsiae.

Question 14

susceptible

Answer 14

Likely to be affected by a particular condition or pathogen

Example: Infants are more susceptible to infections.

Question 15

vector

Answer 15

An organism that transmits pathogens from one host to another

Example: Mosquitoes can be vectors for diseases like malaria.

Question 16

fomite

Answer 16

An object or material that is likely to carry infection

Example: Doorknobs can act as fomites.

Question 17

virulence

Answer 17

The ability of a pathogen to cause severe disease

Example: The virulence of the flu virus can vary each season.

Question 18

microorganism

Answer 18

A microscopic organism, such as bacteria, viruses, and fungi

Example: Microorganisms can be found everywhere in the environment.

Question 19

asepsis

Answer 19

The absence of bacteria, viruses, and other microorganisms

Example: Surgical asepsis is essential in operating rooms.

Question 20

communicable

Answer 20

Capable of being transmitted from one person to another

Example: Measles is a highly communicable disease.

Question 21

flora

Answer 21

The microorganisms that normally inhabit a particular environment

Example: Gut flora plays a role in digestion.

Question 22

exudate

Answer 22

Fluid that leaks out of blood vessels into nearby tissues due to inflammation or injury

Example: Pus is a type of exudate.

Question 23

standard precautions

Answer 23

Infection control practices to prevent the transmission of pathogens in healthcare settings

Example: Wearing gloves is part of standard precautions.

Question 24

CLIA

Answer 24

Clinical Laboratory Improvement Amendments, federal regulations that establish quality standards for laboratory testing

Example: CLIA ensures accuracy and reliability of lab results.

Question 25

biohazard

Answer 25

A biological substance that poses a threat to human health or the environment ## Footnote Example: Blood is considered a biohazard.

Question 26

oral-fecal route

Answer 26

The transmission of pathogens through contaminated food, water, or objects that have been in contact with feces ## Footnote Example: Hepatitis A can spread through the oral-fecal route.

Question 27

incubation period

Answer 27

The time between exposure to a pathogen and the onset of symptoms ## Footnote Example: The incubation period for the flu is typically 1-4 days.

Question 28

airborne transmission

Answer 28

The spread of pathogens through the air, usually through respiratory droplets ## Footnote Example: Tuberculosis can be transmitted through airborne particles.

Question 29

droplet transmission

Answer 29

The spread of pathogens through respiratory droplets produced when an infected person coughs or sneezes ## Footnote Example: Influenza can be transmitted through droplet transmission.

Question 30

blood-borne

Answer 30

Transmitted through contact with infected blood or other body fluids ## Footnote Example: HIV is a blood-borne pathogen.

Question 31

PPE

Answer 31

Personal Protective Equipment, such as gloves, masks, and gowns, used to protect against exposure to pathogens ## Footnote Example: Healthcare workers wear PPE when caring for patients with infectious diseases.

Question 32

shelf life

Answer 32

The length of time a product can be stored before it is no longer usable or effective ## Footnote Example: Medications have an expiration date that indicates their shelf life.

Question 33

sanitization

Answer 33

The process of reducing the number of microorganisms on surfaces to a safe level ## Footnote Example: Sanitization of kitchen countertops helps prevent foodborne illnesses.

Question 34

disinfection

Answer 34

The process of killing or inactivating disease-causing microorganisms on surfaces ## Footnote Example: Disinfection of medical instruments is crucial to prevent infections.

Question 35

sterilization

Answer 35

The complete destruction of all microorganisms, including spores ## Footnote Example: Surgical equipment is sterilized before use in operating rooms.

Question 36

spores

Answer 36

Resistant, dormant forms of bacteria that can survive harsh conditions ## Footnote Example: Clostridium difficile produces spores that can be difficult to eradicate.