6.5 Other pathogenic agents

Question 1

What are 3 other pathogens, other than bacteria?

Answer 1

Viruses, fungi and protozoa

Question 2

Describe the transmission of influenza

Answer 2

• Droplet infection
• Direct contact with virus-filled mucus
• Direct contact with animal waste (zoonotic)
• Direct contact with infected surfaces

Question 3

Describe influenza’s mode of infection

Answer 3

Infects ciliated epithelial cells of the lungs, viral RNA is injected and takes over biochemistry, cells produce new virus particles, cell lyses, virus particles released

Question 4

What are the pathogenic effects of influenza?

Answer 4

Headache, sore throat, coughing/sneezing, muscular/joint pain, vomiting, fever
Lasting about 5-7 days

Question 5

How is influenza treated/controlled?

Answer 5

Antiviral medication, antibiotics for secondary bacterial infections, painkillers to treat symptoms

Question 6

How is stem rust fungus transmitted

Answer 6

WInd carries spores from infected plants, infected fragments left in soil from hosts

Question 7

Describe stem rust fungus’ mode of infection

Answer 7

Spore germinates in water on plant, produces hyphae which enter the plant through the stomata, hyphae grow into mycelium, surround all tissues in the plant, produce enzymes e.g cellulase to digest the plant and nutrients are absorbed into the fungus

Question 8

What are the pathogenic effects of stem rust fungus?

Answer 8

Nutrients lost to the fungus, weakened stem, water loss due to uncontrolled transcription (reduced photosynthesis), pustules on epidermis which eventually burst to release more spores

Question 9

How is malaria transmitted?

Answer 9

Through the female Anopheles mosquito when it feeds to get protein to lay eggs

Question 10

What is the mode of infection of malaria

Answer 10

Parasite transmitted via mosquito, travels to liver, infects red blood cells, reproduces asexually inside erythrocytes (red blood cells) and causes lysis

Question 11

What are the pathogenic effects of malaria

Answer 11

Bursts out of red blood cells every 2-3 days causing paroxysm, sweating, shaking, muscle pains, headaches, liver damage, anaemia

Question 12

How is malaria treated/controlled

Answer 12

Mosquito nets, insect repellent, pesticides, mosquito screens, more clothing, avoiding standing water, treating water with pesticides to remove mosquitos, proper disposal of sewage, introducing predators for mosquitos