Infection and Response Flashcards Flashcards

A microorganism that causes infectious disease.

Bacteria, viruses, fungi, and protists.

Single-celled microorganisms that can reproduce rapidly and may produce toxins that damage tissues and make us feel ill.

Non-living particles that reproduce inside host cells, causing cell damage.

Organisms that can grow as single cells or as threads (hyphae) and can cause diseases by spreading and invading tissues.

Single-celled eukaryotic organisms, some of which are pathogens and can cause diseases like malaria.

The body's defence system against pathogens, including white blood cells and antibodies.

The process by which white blood cells engulf and digest pathogens.

Proteins produced by white blood cells that bind to specific antigens on pathogens to help destroy them.

Substances produced by white blood cells that neutralise toxins released by pathogens.

The introduction of a small amount of dead or inactive pathogen to stimulate the immune system to produce antibodies.

When a large proportion a population is vaccinated, reducing the spread of a pathogen and protecting unvaccinated individuals.

Medicines that kill or inhibit the growth of bacteria without harming human cells.

When bacteria mutate and become resistant to antibiotics, making infections harder to treat.

A disease caused by protist and spread by the female Anopheles mosquito, which acts as a vector.