Term | Definition |
Phenol coefficient | method evaluate effectiveness |
Thermal death time | time to completely sterilize liquid at set temperature |
Selective toxicity | more toxic to pathogen than host |
Desiccation | preserve by drying |
Lyophilization | freeze-drying |
Nonionizing radiation | UV light |
Oxidizing agents | release oxygen radicals |
Surfactants | soaps break up oils |
Aldehydes | Cross-link functional groups in proteins or DNA |
Mimimum inhibitory concentration | smallest amount of drug, inhibit growth |
PABA | microbes need to this make nucleic acids |
B-Lactamase | enzyme bacteria resistant to penicillin produce |
Nucleotide analogs | structural similarity, normal nucleotide |
Broad spectrum | effective, wide variety of microorganisms |
Synergism | drug enhances effectiveness of another |
R-Plasmids | extra chromosomal pieces of DNA |
Autoclave | sterilizes by using steam and pressure @ 121 C for 20 min. |
Cross resistance | resistance antimicrobial agent = resistance to similar drugs |
Parenteral route | pathogens deposited beneath the skin |
Adhesion factors | proteins allow microbes adhere to tissue |
Syndrome | group of symptoms/signs characterize disease |
Subclinical | unnoticed infection; lack of symptoms |
Etiology | study cause of disease |
Toxemia | toxins in blood stream |
Virulence factor | ability to infect and cause disease |
Prodromal period | short period, mild symptoms, precedes illness |
Endotoxin | Lipid A gram negative bacteria |
Resorvoirs | Where pathogens are maintained |
Fomite | inanimate objects, transmit pathogens |
Biological vector | animals act as both host and vector |
Incidence | new cases of disease during a given time |
Zoonotic disease | disease from animal host to human |
Endemic | relatively stable disease frequency in a given area |
Index case | first identified patient; disease in given area |
Pandemic | epidemic more than one contenent |
Nosocomial infection | disease acquired in health care setting |
latrogenic infection | acquired through medical procedures |
Endogenous infection | normal microbiota becomes a pathogen |
Latent disease | pathogen inactive, later reactivated |
Chronic disease | Develops slowly and is continual or recurrent |