Crossword terms
vector
A carrier of causative organisms that can transmit diseases to non infected individuals
fomite
A physical object that serves to transmit an infectious agent from person to person.
epidemiology
Branch of medical science concerned with the incidence, distribution, and control of diseases that affect large numbers of people.
asepsis
absence of pathogens
exogenous
disease originates outside the body
endogenous
disease originates within the body
chain of infection
factors that must be present for disease to occur
pathogen
germ or disease producing microorganisms
nosocomial
infections acquired in a health care facility
protozoa
one-celled animal organisms found in decayed materials and contaminated water
bacteria
one-celled plantlike organisms that multiply rapidly
anaerobic
organisms that live and reproduce in the absence of oxygen
aerobic
organisms that require oxygen to live
fungi
plantlike organisms that live on dead organic matter
sterilization
process that destroys all microorganisms
disinfection
process that destroys or kills pathogens
antisepsis
process that inhibits or prevents the growth of pathogenic organisms
microorganisms
small living plant or animal organism, not visible to naked eye.
viruses
smallest microorganisms