10 Diseases and immunity Flashcards
transmissible disease
a disease in which the pathogen can be passed from one host to another
pathogen
a disease causing organism
how is pathogen transmitted?
a) by direct contact, including through blood and other body fluids
b) indirectly, including contaminated surfaces, food, animals and air
what are the body defences?
skin, hairs in the nose, mucus, stomach acid and white blood cells
how to control the spread of disease
a) a clean water supply
b) hygenic food preparation
c) good personal hygiene
d) waste disposal
e) sewage treatment
active immunity
(long term) defence against a pathogen by antibody production in the body
what do each pathogen have?
their own antigens that have specific shapes
antibodies
proteins that bind to antigens leading to direct destruction of pathogens or marking of pathogens for destruction by phagocytes
what do antibodies have?
complementary shapes which fit specific antigens
when is active immunity gained?
after an infection by a pathogen or by vaccination
process of vaccination
a) weakened pathogens or their antigens are put into the body
b) the antigens stimulate an immune response by lymphocytes which produce antibodies
c) memory cells are produced that give long term immunity
role of vaccination
- controlling the spread of disease
- protection against specific diseases
passive immunity
a short term defence against a pathogen by antibodies acquired from another individual, including across the placenta and in breast milk
importance of breast feeding
the development of passive immunity in infants
- helps the young fight off infections until they are older and stronger and their immune system is more responsive
when are memory cells produced
during active immunity
