This condition occurs when the body's immune system is weakened and unable to fight infection effectively.
What is immunosuppression?
Another word for a microscopic organism such as bacteria or viruses.
microbe
The sequence of steps that explains how an infection spreads from one person to another.
What is the chain of infection?
This bacterial infection of the throat is not caused by a virus.
What is strep throat?
The single most effective action healthcare workers can take to prevent the spread of infection.
What is handwashing?
Very young age, advanced age, and certain medications can all weaken this system in the body.
What is the immune system?
This term refers to an organism that causes disease in the body.
What is a pathogen?
Any object like linens, equipment, or utensils that may carry microorganisms.
What is a fomite?
This virus can remain dormant after chickenpox and later cause a painful rash in adults.
What is shingles?
Vaccines contain weakened or inactive versions of these substances to trigger immunity.
What are antigens?
This protective substance is produced by the body to fight specific antigens.
What is an antibody?
Bacteria are commonly grouped according to their shape and this additional characteristic.
What is their arrangement?
A living organism that provides a place for another organism to live and grow.
What is a host?
This strain of bacteria has become resistant to many antibiotics in healthcare settings.
What is MRSA?
This medical practice helps the body develop protection against future viruses.
What is immunization?
Vaccines work by stimulating the body to produce these protective proteins.
What are antibodies?
This type of fungus can live harmlessly in the body but sometimes cause infections.
What is yeast?
An infection that is acquired while receiving care in a healthcare facility.
What is a nosocomial infection?
A viral disease that attacks and weakens the immune system.
What is AIDS?
These objects must be cleaned and disinfected because they can carry microorganisms between patients.
What are fomites?
This harmful habit damages the body's defense system and increases the risk of infection.
What is smoking
These microorganisms normally live in the intestines and can help digestion but may cause infection if they move elsewhere.
What is E. coli?
The body's ability to resist a specific disease after exposure or vaccination.
What is immunity?
This category of illness includes diseases such as measles and hepatitis.
What are viral infections?
This protective process occurs when antibodies recognize and respond to specific antigens.
What is the immune response?