Diseases and Immunity Quiz

A disease-causing organism.

A disease where a pathogen can be passed from person to person.

Pathogen passed directly from one person to another, often through body fluids.

Pathogen spreads through contaminated surfaces, food, animals, or air.

Drugs that kill bacteria but don't affect viruses.

Bacteria becoming resistant to antibiotics, like MRSA.

Body's defense against a pathogen by producing antibodies.

Proteins that bind to antigens and help destroy pathogens.

Process of introducing weakened pathogens or antigens to build immunity.

Short-term immunity from antibodies from another source (e.g., breast milk, placenta).

Structures that physically prevent pathogens from entering the body.

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

Tiny hairs inside the nose that trap pathogens, preventing them from entering the lungs.

Substances produced by the body that kill or trap pathogens.

A sticky substance produced in the body that traps pathogens and prevents them from further invasion.

Strong acid in the stomach that kills pathogens swallowed with food or trapped in mucus.

Specialized cells in the immune system that fight off infections.

Prescribing antibiotics when they are not necessary or when other treatments might be more appropriate.

Patients stopping antibiotic treatment prematurely, even if they feel better, allowing some bacteria to survive and potentially adapt to the drug.

Proteins and substances on cell surfaces that are specific to each type of cell, identifiable by immune cells.

The clumping together of pathogens by antibodies, making them less mobile and easier for the immune system to destroy.

Malaria is spread through the bite of an infected mosquito. When an infected mosquito bites a human, it releases malaria parasites into the bloodstream.

HIV weakens the body's immune system by attacking immune cells, making it difficult to fight off other infections.

AIDS is the most advanced stage of HIV infection, characterized by weakened immunity and susceptibility to serious illnesses.

HIV is transmitted through the exchange of body fluids like blood, semen, vaginal secretions, and breast milk.

Cholera is caused by a bacteria called Vibrio cholerae that releases a toxin in the intestines.

Cholera causes severe diarrhea and dehydration due to the release of toxins in the intestines.

Cholera spreads through contaminated water and food sources.

Preventing cholera involves maintaining good hygiene practices, ensuring clean water supplies, and proper sanitation.

Cholera spreads through contaminated water or food, usually from the feces of an infected person.

Cholera toxin causes chloride ions to move out of intestinal cells, drawing water out and leading to watery diarrhea.

Alcohol's immediate effects include blackouts, loss of control, aggression, and slowed reaction time.

Excessive alcohol can lead to fatty liver, inflammation (hepatitis), and liver cell damage.

Alcohol overuse can lead to decreased productivity, domestic violence, crime, financial problems, and strained relationships.

Cigarettes contain carcinogens that can increase the risk of lung cancer.

Chemicals in cigarettes can raise blood pressure and strain the heart.

A vaccine introduces a weakened or altered form of a disease-causing pathogen (like a virus or bacteria) into the body. This version can't cause illness but triggers the immune system.

Vaccines contain antigens, specific parts of the pathogen that trigger the immune response. The body produces antibodies against these antigens, creating memory cells that remember the pathogen for future attacks.

Herd immunity occurs when a large enough percentage of the population is vaccinated. This makes it difficult for a disease to spread, protecting those who cannot be vaccinated.

Passive immunity is short-term protection provided by antibodies from another source, like a mother's breast milk.

Passive immunity is important for infants who haven't developed their own immune system. It's also used in emergency situations like rabies exposure, where immediate protection is needed.

Vaccines reduce the number of people who can spread a disease, making it harder for the pathogen to find new hosts. This prevents outbreaks and protects vulnerable populations.

Vaccinating children ensures a high level of herd immunity, protecting not just the individual child, but also others in the community, including those who can't be vaccinated.

Smallpox has been eradicated through a successful vaccination program. This means the disease no longer exists in the wild, thanks to widespread vaccination.