Key Terms
AIDS
– Disease caused by HIV that weakens the immune system. (p. 412)
autoclave
– Device that uses steam under pressure to sterilize. (p. 436)
chemical disinfection
– Use of chemicals to destroy pathogens. (p. 433)
disinfection
– Process that destroys most pathogens but not all spores. (p. 432)
exogenous
– Infection originating outside the body. (p. 411)
aerobic
– Requires oxygen to live. (p. 407)
bacteria
– Simple, one-celled organisms that multiply rapidly. (p. 406)
clean
– Free of visible dirt, debris, or organic material. (p. 430)
droplet precautions
– Prevent spread through droplets from coughing or sneezing. (p. 421)
fomites
– Objects that carry and spread infection. (p. 413)
airborne precautions
– Measures to prevent spread of pathogens through the air. (p. 422)
bioterrorism
– Intentional spread of harmful biological agents. (p. 418)
communicable disease
– Disease that can be spread from person to person. (p. 411)
ebola
– Severe viral infection causing bleeding and organ failure. (p. 417)
fungi
– Plant-like organisms such as molds and yeasts. (p. 407)
anaerobic
– Lives and grows without oxygen. (p. 407)
cavitation
– Formation of bubbles used to clean instruments. (p. 435)
contact precautions
– Measures to prevent spread by direct or indirect contact. (p. 421)
endogenous
– Infection originating within the body. (p. 411)
health care–associated
– Infection acquired in a healthcare setting. (p. 412)
asepsis
– Absence of disease-producing microorganisms. (p. 409)
chain of infection
– Sequence of events that allows infection to spread. (p. 410)
contaminated
– Soiled with pathogens or infectious material. (p. 409)
epidemic
– Sudden increase of disease in a population. (p. 416)
helminths
– Parasitic worms. (p. 408)