Flashcards on Comprehensive Medical Specialties Review
Comprehensive Medical Specialties Review for Students
Tap to flip · Swipe to navigate
Infectious diseases
38 cards
Card 1
Question: What is the definition of infectious diseases?
Answer: Diseases caused by pathogenic microorganisms (bacteria, viruses, fungi, or parasites) that can be transmitted from person to person or from environmen
Card 2
Question: Name four types of pathogenic microorganisms that cause infectious diseases.
Answer: Bacteria, viruses, fungi, and parasites.
Card 3
Question: What is a 'host' in infectology?
Answer: (Term listed) Host — the organism that harbours a pathogen.
Card 4
Question: What is a 'vector' in infectology?
Answer: (Term listed) Vector — an organism that transmits a pathogen between hosts.
Card 5
Question: What is a 'reservoir' in infectology?
Answer: (Term listed) Reservoir — the long-term source where a pathogen normally lives and multiplies.
Card 6
Question: Define 'incubation period'.
Answer: (Term listed) Incubation period — the time between exposure to a pathogen and the appearance of symptoms.
Card 7
Question: What does 'contagion' refer to?
Answer: (Term listed) Contagion — the transmission of disease from one person to another.
Card 8
Question: Differentiate epidemic, pandemic, and endemic.
Answer: (Terms listed) Epidemic — sudden increase in cases in a region; Pandemic — epidemic spread across countries/continents; Endemic — constant presence of
Card 9
Question: What does 'virulence' mean?
Answer: (Term listed) Virulence — the severity or harmfulness of a pathogen.
Card 10
Question: Who is described as immunocompromised?
Answer: (Term listed) Immunocompromised — a person with impaired immune function who is more susceptible to infections.