Diseases and Immunity Overview

A disease-causing organism that can be transmitted from one host to another.

Diseases that are caused by pathogens and can be spread from one organism to another.

The direct transfer of a pathogen from an infected host to a healthy host via bodily fluids, e.g., blood, semen.

Indirect transmission occurs when a pathogen is transferred from an infected host to a healthy host via an intermediate medium, e.g., contaminated surfaces, air, or insects.

The outermost layer of the body that acts as a physical barrier, preventing pathogens from entering.

Barriers that physically prevent pathogens from entering the body.

A method of pathogen transmission involving transfer of bodily fluids like blood or semen. This is often associated with direct contact.

The spread of pathogens via an intermediate medium such as air, contaminated surfaces, water, food, or insects.

Keeping food safe from harmful bacteria and fungi by using proper washing, cooking and preparation methods.

Practices like washing hands with soap and using tissues for coughs and sneezes to prevent the spread of germs like colds and flu.

Properly disposing of waste, such as food scraps, reduces the presence of pests like flies that can spread diseases.

Treatment of sewage removes harmful pathogens from wastewater before it's released into the environment, reducing the risk of waterborne diseases.

The ability of the body to produce antibodies and memory cells to fight off future infections.

Molecules on cell surfaces, such as proteins, that can be recognized by the immune system.

Proteins produced by the immune system that bind to specific antigens and help neutralize them.

The immune system recognizes and attacks foreign antigens.

Specialized white blood cells that produce antibodies.

The process where antibodies bind to antigens, causing pathogens to clump together.

White blood cells that engulf and destroy pathogens.

The ability of the body to resist infection and disease.

A type of immunity that involves the production of antibodies by lymphocytes.

A type of immunity that involves the activation of T cells and other immune cells.

A protein produced by lymphocytes that specifically binds to an antigen, marking it for destruction.

A protein produced by the immune system that neutralizes toxins released by bacteria.

Immune cells that retain the 'memory' of a specific pathogen, allowing for a faster and stronger immune response upon re-exposure.

A situation where a large enough percentage of the population is immune to a disease, making it difficult for the disease to spread.

The process of introducing weakened or inactive forms of a pathogen into the body to trigger an immune response, resulting in long-term protection against that disease.

A disease outbreak that spreads rapidly and widely across a large geographic area.

A disease outbreak that occurs in a particular geographic area or among a specific population.

A disease that can be transmitted from one person to another directly or indirectly.

A disease that has been eliminated from the world.

A disease with a low prevalence due to widespread immunization.

A type of immunity where antibodies are acquired from another individual, providing immediate but short-term protection against pathogens.

The transfer of antibodies from mother to infant through breast milk, providing initial protection against infections.

A severe form of diarrhea caused by the bacterium Vibrio cholerae, leading to significant fluid and electrolyte loss.

The loss of watery feces from the anus, often a symptom of various illnesses.

Treatment for severe diarrhea involving a drink with a small amount of salt and sugar, replacing lost fluids and electrolytes.

The bacteria responsible for causing cholera.

The process by which Vibrio cholerae causes diarrhea by attaching to the small intestine, producing toxins that lead to fluid loss.

The mechanism by which cholera leads to diarrhea, involving the bacterium's toxins interfering with the small intestine's ability to absorb fluids.