Term | Definition |
mode of transmission | a way that causative agent can be transmitted to another reservoir or host where it can live |
nonpathogens | a microorganisms that is capable of causing a disease |
microorganism | small, living plant or animal not visible to the naked eye; a microbe |
fomites | any substance or object that adheres to and transmits infectious material |
fungi | group of simple plant like animals that live on dead organic matter (ex. yeast and molds) |
nosocomial | protaining to or originating in a health care facility such as a hospital |
susceptible host | a person likely to get an infection or disease, usually because body defenses are weak |
portal of entry | a way for causative agent to enter a new reservoir or host |
reservoir | an area where the causative agent can live; some common reservoirs include the human body, animals, the environment, and fomites |
causative agent | a pathogen, such as bacterium or virus that can cause a disease |
portal of exit | a way for causative agent to escape from reservoir in which it has been growing |
Hepatitis B | serum hepatitis - caused by blood, serum, and other body secretions |
Hepatitis C | is transmitted by blood and blood containing fluid |
Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome | caused by HIV and suppresses the immune system |
disinfection | aseptic-control method that destroys pathogens but does not usually kill spores and viruses |
contaminated | containing infection or infetious organisms or germs |
chain of infection | factors that lead to the transmission or spread of disease |
bacteria | one-celled microorganisms, some of which are beneficial and some of which cause disease |
bioterroism | the use of biological agents, such as pathogens, for terroist purposes |
antisepsis | aseptic control that inhabits, retards growth of, or kills pathogenic organisms; not effective agaisnt spores and viruses |
asepsis | being free from infection |
endogenous | infection or disease originating within the body |
exogenous | infection or disease originating outside of or external to the body |
anaaerobic | not requiring oxygen to live and grow; able to thrive in the absence of oxygen |
aerobic | requiring oxygen to live and grow |
protozoa | microscopic, one-celled animals oftenvfound in decayed materials and contaminated water |
Helminths | a parasitic worm (ex. tapeworm or leech) |
pathogens | disease-producing organism |
viruses | one of a large group of very small microorganisms, many of which cause disease |
rickettsiae | parasitic microorganisms that live on other living organisms |
opporunisitic | an infection that occurs when the body's immune system cannot defend itself from pathogens normally found in the environment |
sterile | free of all organisms, including spores and viruses |
sterilization | process that results in total destruction of all microorganisms; also, surgical procedure that prevents conception of child |
personal protective equipment (PPE) | protective barriers such as mask, gown, gloves, and protective eyewear that help protect a person from contact with infectious material |
standard precautions | recommendations that must be followed to prevent transmission of pathogenic organisms by way of blood and body fluids |