Biology Chapter on Immunology

A general defense mechanism against any pathogen, not tailored to a specific one.

White blood cells that defend the body against infection.

Leukocytes with granules in their cytoplasm, involved in non-specific responses.

A type of granulocyte that engulfs and destroys pathogens by phagocytosis, most common.

Granulocytes that fight parasites and are involved in allergic reactions.

Granulocytes that release histamine, causing inflammation and allergic reactions.

A non-specific response to localized infection, characterized by redness, swelling, and heat.

Cells formed from monocytes that engulf and destroy pathogens.

Mast cells release histamines to increase blood flow to the injured area

Blood vessels become more permeable, allowing plasma and leukocytes to enter the infected tissue

The body raises its temperature to slow bacterial reproduction, improve immune function

White blood cells engulf and destroy pathogens

Phagocytes that digest pathogens but die after a few encounters

Phagocytes that can digest many pathogens and renew lysosomes

Chemicals released by virus-infected cells that stop viral replication and protect uninfected cells.

Unique markers on pathogens that trigger an immune response.

Immunity achieved through vaccination, exposing the body to a safe form of a specific antigen.

Antibodies from one individual are extracted and injected into another, offering temporary protection against a disease.

Long-lasting immunity achieved by safely exposing the body to a weakened or inactive form of a pathogen.

A disease is completely eliminated from all populations, including humans, animals, and the environment.

A disease is eliminated from a specific geographic location, but the pathogen still exists in animals, the environment, or in undetected cases.

Strategies used to manage the spread and impact of a disease, aiming to reduce transmission and severity.

When a large portion of a population is immune to a disease, making it difficult for the disease to spread.

Drugs that kill or inhibit the growth of bacteria.

White blood cells produced in the bone marrow that create antibodies to fight pathogens.

White blood cells produced in the bone marrow and activated in the thymus gland that directly attack infected cells or help other immune cells.

Antibodies produced by B-cells, also known as antibodies, that bind to specific antigens to neutralize or destroy pathogens.

Specialized B-cells that produce and release large amounts of specific antibodies into the bloodstream.

T-cells that activate B-cells to produce antibodies and other immune cells to fight infection.

A set of proteins on the surface of cells that display antigens to T-cells, helping them recognize and target infected cells.

Cells (like macrophages) that capture and display antigens on their surface to activate T-cells.

Long-lived T-cells that remember specific pathogens and quickly respond to future infections.

Antibiotics that inhibit the growth of bacteria without killing them directly. They work by interrupting metabolic pathways, like blocking nucleic acid synthesis or protein synthesis.

Antibiotics that kill bacteria directly. They work by damaging cell walls, membranes, or DNA replication processes.

Antibiotics effective against a wide range of bacteria.

Antibiotics effective against a limited number of bacterial species or types.

Bacteria's ability to withstand the effects of antibiotics.

Bacteria can develop mutations during reproduction that make them less susceptible to antibiotics. These mutations can become dominant through natural selection, leading to resistance.

The emergence of 'superbugs' – bacteria that are resistant to multiple antibiotics, making infections difficult to treat.

Use antibiotics only when necessary and complete the full course of treatment. This reduces the selection pressure for resistance.

Hospital-acquired infections are infections that patients contract while in the hospital.

Two common HAIs are Clostridium difficile and methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA).

MRSA is resistant to methicillin, a common antibiotic, requiring higher doses or alternative treatments.

Antibiotics can disrupt the gut flora, allowing Clostridium difficile to overgrow and cause infection.

Antibiotics should be used only when necessary, and the full course must be completed to prevent resistance.

Handwashing with alcohol-based gels and disinfectants, appropriate clothing, and cleaning are essential to prevent HAIs.

Patients with HAIs should be isolated in high-level hygiene rooms to prevent infection spread.

Patients with communicable diseases should be treated before entering the hospital, and visitors should maintain hygiene.