4.3.1 Communicable diseases Flashcards
What are pathogens?
Pathogens are microorganisms that cause infectious disease. They may be viruses, bacteria, protists, or fungi.
How can the spread of diseases be reduced or prevented?
The spread of diseases can be reduced or prevented through various methods such as vaccination, hygiene practices, and controlling vectors.
How do bacteria and viruses reproduce?
Bacteria and viruses may reproduce rapidly inside the body.
What are the symptoms of measles?
Measles shows symptoms of fever and a red skin rash.
How is the measles virus spread?
The measles virus is spread by inhalation of droplets from sneezes and coughs.
What is HIV and how does it affect the body?
HIV initially causes a flu-like illness and attacks the body’s immune cells, leading to AIDS if not controlled.
How is HIV spread?
HIV is spread by sexual contact or exchange of body fluids such as blood.
What is the tobacco mosaic virus (TMV)?
TMV is a widespread plant pathogen affecting many species, causing a distinctive ‘mosaic’ pattern on leaves.
What causes Salmonella food poisoning?
Salmonella food poisoning is caused by bacteria ingested in food or on food prepared in unhygienic conditions.
What are the symptoms of gonorrhoea?
Gonorrhoea has symptoms of a thick yellow or green discharge and pain on urinating.
How is gonorrhoea spread?
Gonorrhoea is spread by sexual contact.
What is rose black spot?
Rose black spot is a fungal disease causing purple or black spots on leaves, affecting plant growth.
What causes malaria?
Malaria is caused by protists that have a life cycle including mosquitoes.
What are the non-specific defence systems of the human body?
The non-specific defence systems include the skin, nose, trachea and bronchi, and stomach.
What role do white blood cells play in the immune system?
White blood cells help defend against pathogens through phagocytosis, antibody production, and antitoxin production.
How does vaccination prevent illness?
Vaccination introduces small quantities of dead or inactive forms of a pathogen to stimulate antibody production.
What are antibiotics?
Antibiotics are medicines that help cure bacterial diseases by killing infective bacteria inside the body.
What is a concern regarding antibiotics?
The emergence of antibiotic-resistant strains is a major concern.
What is the process of drug discovery?
Drug discovery involves extracting compounds from plants and microorganisms, followed by extensive testing for safety and efficacy.
What is preclinical testing?
Preclinical testing is done in a laboratory using cells, tissues, and live animals.
What occurs during clinical trials?
Clinical trials use healthy volunteers and patients to test the drug’s safety and determine the optimum dose.