Infectious Disease

A medical condition caused by the invasion and growth of harmful microorganisms such as bacteria, viruses, fungi, or parasites in the body, leading to illness or infection.

 

Pathogen

Any microorganism capable of causing disease, including bacteria, viruses, fungi, and parasites.

 

Transmission

The process by which infectious agents are spread from one individual to another, often through direct or indirect contact, respiratory droplets, bodily fluids, or contaminated surfaces.

 

Epidemiology

The study of the distribution and determinants of health-related states or events, including infectious diseases, within populations, and the application of this study to control health problems.

 

Vector

An organism, typically an insect or tick, that transmits infectious pathogens from one host to another.

 

Antibiotic Resistance

The ability of bacteria or other microorganisms to resist the effects of antibiotics, making infections harder to treat and increasing the risk of complications.

 

Immunity

The body’s ability to resist or fight off infections, often acquired through vaccination or prior exposure to infectious agents.

 

Pandemic

An outbreak of a disease that occurs over a wide geographic area and affects an exceptionally high proportion of the population.

 

Isolation

The separation of individuals who are infected with a contagious disease from those who are not infected, to prevent the spread of the disease.

 

Vaccination

The administration of a vaccine to stimulate the immune system to produce immunity to a specific disease, protecting against future infections.