Microbiology
The study of microorganisms. The scientific study of the nature, life and action of microorganisms.
Contamination
The state of being soiled by contact with infectious organisms or other materials.
Pathogen
capable of producing disease. Can cause disease within a host.
Micron
1/25,000 of an inch or 1/1000 of a millimeter.
Aerobic
Requiring the presence of air or free oxygen.
Anaerobic
Bacteria that can live in the absence of atmospheric oxygen.
Endospores (spores)
Microorganisms capable of forming a thick wall around themselves, enabling them to survive in adverse conditions.
Gram stain
Differential stain used to classify bacteria as gram positive or gram negative, depending on whether they retain or lose the primary stain (crystal violet) when subjected to a decolorizing agent.
pH
Measure of alkalinity or acidity on a scale of 0 to 14; pH of 7 is neutral (neither acid nor alkaline); pH below 7 is acid; pH above 7 is alkaline.
Vegetative stage
State of active growth of microorganisms (as opposed to the resting or spore stages).
Binary fission
The typical method of bacterial reproduction in which a cell divides into two equal parts.
Prion
An infectious protein particle that, unlike a virus, contains no nucleic acid, does not trigger an immune response, and is not destroyed by extreme heat or cold.
Prion
An infectious protein particle that, unlike a virus, contains no nucleic acid, does not trigger an immune response, and is not destroyed by extreme heat or cold.
Surgical Site Infection (SSI)
An infection that occurs after surgery in the part of the body where the surgery took place.
Biocidal
Process or ability to kill or control the growth of living organisms.
Chan of Infection
The six-step process of an infection spreading from one host to the next.
Asepsis
The absence of microorganisms that cause disease.
Aseptic technique
Any activity or procedure that prevents infection or breaks the chain of infection.
Asepsis (medical)
Clean technique; procedures performed to reduce the number of microorganisms and minimize their spread.
Asepsis (surgical)
Surgical technique; procedures performed to eliminate the presence of all microorganisms and/or prevent the introduction of microorganisms to an area.
Fomite
An inanimate object that can transmit bacteria.
Chain of Infection Elements:
Causative agent, Reservoir, Portal of exit, Mode of transmission, Portal of entry, Susceptible host
Causative agent
Microorganism (pathogen) that causes an infectious disease.
Reservoir
Place where an infectious agent (microorganism) can survive.
