Immune System
Microbiology Basics
Infection Terms
Disease & Pathogens
Infection Prevention
100

This condition occurs when the body's immune system is weakened and unable to fight infection effectively.

What is immunosuppression?

100

Another word for a microscopic organism such as bacteria or viruses.

microbe

100

The sequence of steps that explains how an infection spreads from one person to another.

What is the chain of infection?

100

This bacterial infection of the throat is not caused by a virus.

What is strep throat?

100

The single most effective action healthcare workers can take to prevent the spread of infection.

What is handwashing?

200

Very young age, advanced age, and certain medications can all weaken this system in the body.

What is the immune system?

200

This term refers to an organism that causes disease in the body.

What is a pathogen?

200

Any object like linens, equipment, or utensils that may carry microorganisms.

What is a fomite?

200

This virus can remain dormant after chickenpox and later cause a painful rash in adults.

What is shingles?

200

Vaccines contain weakened or inactive versions of these substances to trigger immunity.

What are antigens?

300

This protective substance is produced by the body to fight specific antigens.

What is an antibody?

300

Bacteria are commonly grouped according to their shape and this additional characteristic.

What is their arrangement?

300

A living organism that provides a place for another organism to live and grow.

What is a host?

300

This strain of bacteria has become resistant to many antibiotics in healthcare settings.

What is MRSA?

300

This medical practice helps the body develop protection against future viruses.

What is immunization?

400

Vaccines work by stimulating the body to produce these protective proteins.

What are antibodies?

400

This type of fungus can live harmlessly in the body but sometimes cause infections.

What is yeast?

400

An infection that is acquired while receiving care in a healthcare facility.

What is a nosocomial infection?

400

A viral disease that attacks and weakens the immune system.

What is AIDS?

400

These objects must be cleaned and disinfected because they can carry microorganisms between patients.

What are fomites?

500

This harmful habit damages the body's defense system and increases the risk of infection.

What is smoking 

500

These microorganisms normally live in the intestines and can help digestion but may cause infection if they move elsewhere.

What is E. coli?

500

The body's ability to resist a specific disease after exposure or vaccination.

What is immunity?

500

This category of illness includes diseases such as measles and hepatitis.

What are viral infections?

500

This protective process occurs when antibodies recognize and respond to specific antigens.

What is the immune response?

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