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