Germ Glossary
Antibiotic
A substance that can destroy or inhibit the growth of other, usually harmful, microorganisms. Antibiotics are used to prevent and treat infectious diseases.
Antibacterials
Antiseptics (see below) are substances that act against bacteria which cause harmful infections.
Antimicrobial agent
Any substance or mixture of substances (such as a disinfectant, sanitizer, or germ protection spray) that acts against microbes.
Antiseptics
Antiseptic agents are applied to the skin (or living tissue) to reduce the possibility of infection. Common antiseptic agents include alcohols, sanitizers, and germ-killing sprays.
Antivirals
Also known as microbiocides or virucides, these are substances which kill viruses (as opposed to bacteria).
Bacteria
Microscopic organisms composed of a single cell and lacking a defined nucleus and membrane-enclosed internal compartment.
Cellulitis
An acute inflammation of the connective tissue of the skin, caused by infection with staphylococcus, streptococcus, or other bacteria. While cellulitis sometimes develops around wounds in the skin or surgical incisions, in other cases it arises without an obvious source for the bacterial infection.
Communicable
Anything (such as a disease) that can be transmitted between persons or species; contagious.
Disinfection
A process used to reduce the number of microorganisms. The process does not necessarily kill or remove all microorganisms, but reduces their number to a level which is not harmful to health.
Escherichia Coli
Also known as E. coli, this harmful bacteria causes severe cramps and diarrhea. It is the leading cause of bloody diarrhea. The symptoms are worse in children and older people, and especially in people who are also suffering from another illness.
Germs
Microbes that cause diseases. Also called pathogens.
Hand hygiene
A general term that applies to handwashing, antiseptic handwash, antiseptic hand rub, or surgical hand antisepsis.
Immune system
The body's natural defense system against infection and disease. It consists of many organs and cells that have various specialized functions within the overall fight against antigens.
Infection
The process by which germs enter, multiply and then cause damage to a living organism such as the human body.
Infectious Disease
A disease caused by germs that infect a living organism. It occurs when cells or molecules in a person's body stop working properly, causing symptoms of illness.
Inflammation
A biological response, often times to harmful pathogens. It is often seen at the site of an injury like a cut, and signs include redness, swelling, pain, and heat.
Influenza
Commonly known as “the flu,” influenza is a highly contagious viral infection of the respiratory tract. The flu is often confused with the common cold, but flu symptoms tend to develop quickly and are usually more severe than the typical sneezing and congestion of a cold.
Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus Aureus (MRSA)
Bacteria that cause conditions such as furunculosis, pyemia, osteomyelitis, suppuration of wounds, and food poisoning. The patient is kept in isolation to stop the spread of this infection. (see "Superbug")
Microbes
Microbes, the oldest form of life on the planet, are tiny single-cell organisms. Some microbes cause disease in humans, plants, and animals. Four common groups of microbes are bacteria, viruses, fungi, and yeasts.
Microorganisms
Living cells so small that most can be seen only with a microscope. Microscopic organisms such as bacteria and viruses, commonly known as germs, can cause infections in humans.
Organisms
Any living system (such animal, plant, etc.) made up of single or multiple cells.
Parasites
Plants or animals that live, grow, and feed on (or within) another living organism.
Pathogens
Anything that causes disease is a pathogen (also called germs). Pathogens include bacteria, virus, and fungus. We are “exposed” when we come into contact with a pathogen. We are considered “infected” when a pathogen has entered the body and resulted in disease.
Staphylococcus
A type of parasitic bacteria that causes infection, commonly known as a Staph infection. Potentially, the bacteria can cause a life-threatening illness if it infects a major organ. Many Staph infections respond to antibiotics. However, there are a growing number of resistant strains.
Sterile
Free from live bacteria or other microorganisms.
Sterilization
A process that removes or destroys all forms of microbial life.
Superbug
An informal name for a bacterium that has become resistant to antibiotics.
Virus
A parasitic organism that must insert its genetic material into a host cell to reproduce. It then takes over the function of the host cell, causing harmful infections and disease. H1N1 is a type of virus.