infection
Bacteria, viruses, fungi, and parasites can cause infections. This topic is part of Medicine within Science & Nature. This page currently draws on 16 supporting questions, with answers and bonus facts available below.
infection trivia questions
An infection occurs when harmful microorganisms enter and multiply in what?
Answer: A host
Bonus fact: Bacteria, viruses, fungi, and parasites can cause infections.
What is the body's first physical barrier against many infections?
Answer: Skin
Bonus fact: Intact skin blocks many pathogens.
What term describes an infection acquired in a healthcare setting?
Answer: Healthcare-associated infection
Bonus fact: Such infections are often abbreviated HAIs.
Antibiotics are primarily used to treat infections caused by what?
Answer: Bacteria
Bonus fact: Antibiotics act against bacteria and do not cure viral infections such as colds or influenza.
Why can lymph nodes swell during an infection?
Answer: Immune cells become active and multiply
Bonus fact: An immune response can enlarge nearby nodes.
An infection caused by a fungus is called what?
Answer: Mycosis
Bonus fact: Fungal infections range from superficial to systemic.
What fungal genus commonly causes thrush and yeast infections?
Answer: Candida
Bonus fact: Candida species normally live on the body but can overgrow.
What term describes an infection that jumps from animals into humans?
Answer: Spillover
Bonus fact: Spillover events can seed new human outbreaks.
Antibiotics do not treat infections caused by which type of germ?
Answer: Viruses
Bonus fact: Antibiotics are designed to kill certain kinds of bacteria or stop their growth.
Which blood cells help the body fight infections?
Answer: White blood cells
Bonus fact: White blood cells are an important part of the immune system.
The immune system protects the body from what?
Answer: Pathogens
Bonus fact: It identifies and responds to infections and abnormal cells.
A fever is an increase in what?
Answer: Body temperature
Bonus fact: The body's temperature set point rises during many infections.