Microbiology: Normal and Transient Microbiota

What is the term for the time between initial infection and the first appearance of signs or symptoms?

Incubation period

What is the period characterized by early, mild symptoms such as fever, chills, and muscle pain?

Prodromal period

What is the term for the stage of the disease where the patient shows signs and symptoms of the disease?

Illness period

What is the term for the stage of the disease where the patient improves and signs and symptoms taper off?

Decline period Signup and view all the answers

What is the term for people carrying pathogens and transmitting them to others?

Human reservoirs Signup and view all the answers

What is the term for the recovery stage where the person returns to their original state of health?

Covalescence period Signup and view all the answers

What is one of the main reasons why patients with burns are highly susceptible to nosocomial infections?

They have open wounds that can be easily infected. Signup and view all the answers

Who are considered the number one transmitters of disease in hospitals?

Doctors, nurses, and hospital janitors Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of an infection control committee in a hospital?

To identify problem sources and check equipment for contamination Signup and view all the answers

Why are newborn and premature babies particularly vulnerable to nosocomial infections?

They have underdeveloped immune systems. Signup and view all the answers

What is the main goal of the aseptic technique developed by Lister and Semmelweis?

To decrease the rate of nosocomial infections Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of periodic examinations of medical equipment by the infection control nurse and epidemiologist?

To ensure proper sterilization procedures are followed Signup and view all the answers

What is the function of the blood-brain barrier?

To filter the blood stream and prevent harmful substances from entering the CNS Signup and view all the answers

What is an example of a bacterium that produces endotoxins?

Salmonella typhi Signup and view all the answers

Why are endotoxins still potent even after the bacteria are killed?

Because they are retained in the material even after sterilization Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of Limulus amebocyte lysate (LAL)?

To detect even traces of endotoxin Signup and view all the answers

What is nonspecific resistance?

Resistance that protects against pathogens regardless of species Signup and view all the answers

What are nonspecific defences?

General attack responses to combat microbes Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary function of microbial antagonism?

To inhibit the growth of one bacterial organism by another Signup and view all the answers

What is the term for microorganisms that are present in the body for a short period and then disappear?

Transient microbiota Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary factor that influences the growth of transient microbiota?

Good hygiene Signup and view all the answers

What is the term for the microorganisms that are normally found in the body and do not cause disease?

Normal microbiota Signup and view all the answers

What is the disease caused by the accumulation of plaque on the teeth?

Periodontal disease Signup and view all the answers

How do normal microbiota affect pathogens in the body?

By competing for nutrients and producing substances harmful to the pathogens Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary function of skin in relation to microbes?

To act as a defense against microbes Signup and view all the answers

How do hookworm larvae gain access to the body?

Through intact skin Signup and view all the answers

What is the term for the route by which microbes gain access to deeper tissues of the body through punctures, infections, bites, cuts, wounds, and surgery?

Parental route Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is an example of a nosocomial infection?

A patient develops an infection after surgery Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary route by which pathogens are carried out of the body through the respiratory tract?

Coughing and sneezing Signup and view all the answers

What is the term for the route by which pathogens are carried out of the body?

Portal of exit Signup and view all the answers