Module #5 Flashcards
What is the definition of a disease?
any harmful deviation from the
normal structural or functional state of an organism
What are the two types of diseases?
Infectious and chronic
What are the six links of the chain of infection?
Agent, reservoir, portal of exit, mode of transmission, portal of entry, new host
What is an agent?
Any organisms that cause
diseases
What can an agent be?
A bacteria, virus, fungi, etc.
What is a reservoir?
Environment and infected person or animals where an agent can reproduce.
What is portal of exit?
Route that agents get out of the reservoir to infect others.
What are examples of portal of exit?
Blood, respiratory system, digestive system, urinary system, reproductive system.
What is mode of transmission ?
Method agent use to enter potential hosts (for example, contact airborne, droplet, etc.).
What are the three primary portals of entry?
Respiratory system, digestive system, a break in the skin.
What does new host mean?
the person that becomes sick when exposed to the disease-causing org.
What are the six major pathogens of infectious disease?
Bacteria, viruses, fungi, protozoa, parasites, and prions
What is bacteria?
Microscopic, single-celled organisms. Can be found almost anywhere.
What are the 3 levels of defense against infection?
External barriers, innate immune system, adaptive immune system
What counts as a external barrier?
Skin, eyelashes, hair. Saliva and stomach acid
