Intro to Microbial Disease Flashcards
(17 cards)
What is R₀ (basic reproductive number)?
Average no. of people infected by 1 individual in totally susceptible population
What does a high R₀ indicate in terms of vaccination?
A high R₀ means higher % of population must be vaccinated to achieve herd immunity
What principle describes the idea that many infections are not clinically apparent?
Iceberg principle
What are Koch’s postulates used for?
To establish a causal relationship between a microbe and a disease
Define a primary pathogen.
Microbe that causes disease in a healthy host
Define a secondary (opportunistic) pathogen.
Microbe that causes disease only when host defences are compromised
Does infection always result in disease?
No, infection may involve colonisation without causing symptoms
What is colonistation?
Presence of a microbe on/in body without causing disease
What are the 3 components of diagnosing infection disease?
1) Clinical examination
2) Pathogenesis understanding
3) Lab investigations
Name 3 strict human bacterial pathogens.
1) Salmonella typhi
2) Neisseria gonorrhoeae
3) Shigella dysenteriae
Name 3 strict human viral pathogens.
1) Measles virus
2) Rubella virus
3) Polio virus
Which pathogen causes syphilis?
Treponema pallidum
What diseases can Staphylococcus aureus cause?
1) Abscesses
2) Pneumonia
3) Septicaemia
4) Food poisoning
What is Pseudomonas aeruginosa associated with?
Keratitis and otitis
What are the 4 main viewpoints for studying infectious disease?
1) Biology of organism
2) Clinical management
3) Pathophysiology
4) Public health control
What are examples of public health measures in infectious disease?
1) Vaccination
2) Outbreak investigation
3) Controlling cross-infection
What are 2 types of pneumonia discussed?
1) Community-acquired pneumonia
2) Hospital-acquired (nosocomial) pneumonia
