Infectious Diseases/ HAI’s Terms

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Virulence

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The degree of pathogenicity of a microorganism.

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Vector

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An organism that transmits a pathogen (e.g., mosquito).

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Nosocomial/HAI (Healthcare-Associated Infection)

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Infection acquired during the course of receiving treatment.

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Sepsis

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A severe, life-threatening response to infection.

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Bacteremia

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The presence of bacteria in the bloodstream.

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Colonization

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The presence of bacteria without causing disease.

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Antibiotic Resistance

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The ability of bacteria to withstand the effects of antibiotics.

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Superbug

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A strain of bacteria resistant to multiple antibiotics.

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MRSA (Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus)

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A common drug-resistant infection in healthcare settings.

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Clostridioides difficile (C. diff)

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A bacterium causing severe diarrhea, often after antibiotic use.