Stages of Infections

Systemic infections

usually caused by a bacteria or virus . ● Is in the bloodstream, so it manifests itself through symptoms throughout the entire body Ex: cold, virus, flu, mono, strep thorat

Incubation period

vary considerably, depending on the characteristics of the organism, and may last days or months. During this time the organisms reproduce until there are sufficient numbers to cause adverse effects in the body.

Convalescent stage

Confinement of infection, progressive elimination of pathogen, tissue repair, resolution of symptoms

Secondary infections

Follows a primary infection and is caused by a microbe other than that causing the primary infection. Opportunistic pathogens

Chronic infections

Have markedly protracted and sometimes irregular course Host may experience symptoms continuously or sporadically for months to years without a convalescent phase

Chronic

Have markedly protracted and sometimes irregular course. Host may experience symptoms continuously or sporadically for months to years without a convalescent phase → (confinement of infx, resolution of symptoms). Less severe symptoms than acute but persist for a long period.

Prodromal stage

Initial appearance of symptoms. This stage is more evident in some infections than others.

Acute

Maximum impact of infection with rapid proliferation (increase) and dissemination (spread) of pathogen. Appear rapidly but are short lived. ● Tissue damage and inflammation occur

Acute stage

Maximum impact of infection with rapid proliferation and dissemination of pathogen. When the infectious disease develops fully, and the clinical manifestations reach a peak

Incubation period

Pathogen is reproducing but no symptoms seen yet. Refers to the time between entry of the organism into the body and appearance of clinical signs of the disease.

Acute stage

The onset may be insidious (proceeding in a gradual, subtle way, but with harmful effects) with prolonged prodromal period, or sudden or acute with the clinical signs appearing quickly with severe manifestations. Tissue damage and inflammation occur

Prodromal stage

This is the time when the infected person may feel fatigued, lose appetite, or have a headache, and usually senses that "I am coming down with something."

Resolution stage

Total elimination of pathogen from body without residual signs or symptoms of disease

Fulminant

abrupt onset of symptoms with little or no prodrome

Local infections

an infection in which the entire body is not infected, only a specific portion or the portion which is affected. Organism enters the body and remains confined to a specific location (wound or cut)

Nosocomial infections

contracted because of an infection or toxin that exists in a certain location, such as a hospital.

Convalescent stage

convalescence or rehabilitation: is the period of of recovery and return to the normal healthy state; it may last for several days or months

Primary infections

initial infection followed by complications caused by another microbe

Insidious

prodromal phase is protracted (lasting from a long time)

Subclinical or Subacute illness

progress from infection to resolution without clinically apparent symptoms

Mixed infections

several infectious agents concurrently establish themselves at the same site