Proteins or glycoproteins found on attachment pili and capsules
Adhesins
White blood cells that engulf and destroy pathogens
Phagocytes
Enzyme that digest the protective coating on mucous membranes
Mucinase
Enzyme that digest the principal component of skin and hair, secreted by fungi
Keratinase
Enzyme that digest the principal fiber of connective tissue and is an invasive factor
Collagenase
Enzyme that digests hyaluronic acid
Hyaluronidase
Enzyme that increases blood clotting
Coagulase
Enzyme that dissolves blood clots
Streptokinase
Soluble proteins secreted by the pathogen.
Exotoxins
Part of the cell wall released into the host tissue
Endotoxins
Organisms that live on or in the body but do not cause disease
Normal (resident) biota (normal flora)
The capacity to cause disease. It depends on its ability to invade, multiply on or in a host and avoid the host’s defenses.
Pathogenicity
The intensity of disease produced by a pathogen
Virulence
Resident or transient microflora that cause disease under certain conditions
Opportunists
Time between infection and appearance of signs and symptoms.
Incubation Period
Short period during which mild, nonspecific symptoms appear
Prodromal Phase
Period during which the individual experiences typical signs and symptoms of a disease
Invasive Phase
Period of healing
Convalescence period
Infection of a previously healthy person - Usually acute
Primary infection
Infection that immediately follows a primary infection. (Ear infection following a cold)
Secondary infection
Characteristics of a disease that can be observed by examining the patient (Swelling, redness, coughing, etc)
Signs
Characteristics of a disease that can be felt or observed by the patient. (Pain, nausea, headache, etc)
Symptoms
Combination of signs and symptoms that are indicative of a particular disease.
Syndrome
Individuals who harbor an infectious agent without having any observable symptoms
Carriers
An animal that transmits infectious organism from one host to another
Vector
Infection acquired in a hospital or other medical facility
Nosocomal infection
Set of guidelines established by the CDC (Center for disease Control) to reduce the risks of nosocomial infections. Also important for the prevention of transmission of AIDS.
Universal Precautions
Number of individuals affected by a disease during a set period of time in relation to the total number in the population.
Morbidity Rate
Number of deaths due to a disease in a population during a specific period in relation to the total population.
Mortality Rate
Infectious disease that exhibits a relatively steady frequency over a long time period in a particular georgraphic locale.
Endemic
Diseased increasing beyond what is expected for that population
Epidemic
The spread of an epidemic across continents
Pandemic