Causes Of Disease: Pathogens, Lifestyle And Disease Flashcards
What is a pathogen?
A pathogen is a microorganism that causes disease.
Name three types of pathogens.
Bacteria, viruses, and fungi.
True or False: All pathogens are harmful to humans.
False.
Fill in the blank: __________ are responsible for diseases such as influenza and the common cold.
Viruses.
What is the primary mode of transmission for bacterial infections?
Direct contact, airborne droplets, or contaminated surfaces.
List one lifestyle factor that can contribute to disease.
Poor diet.
True or False: Lifestyle choices have no impact on disease susceptibility.
False.
What is the role of the immune system in disease prevention?
The immune system identifies and destroys pathogens.
Fill in the blank: __________ is a long-term lifestyle disease often linked to obesity.
Type 2 diabetes.
What is a vector in the context of disease transmission?
An organism that transmits a pathogen from one host to another.
Name a common vector for disease.
Mosquitoes.
True or False: Vaccination can prevent some infectious diseases.
True.
What does the term ‘zoonotic disease’ refer to?
Diseases that can be transmitted from animals to humans.
Fill in the blank: __________ are often used to treat bacterial infections.
Antibiotics.
What is the importance of sanitation in disease prevention?
Sanitation reduces the spread of pathogens.
Define ‘chronic disease’.
A long-lasting condition that can be controlled but not cured.
Give an example of a viral infection.
HIV/AIDS.
True or False: Lifestyle diseases can often be prevented through changes in behavior.
True.
What is the function of antibiotics?
To kill or inhibit the growth of bacteria.
Fill in the blank: __________ is a disease caused by the bacterium Mycobacterium tuberculosis.
Tuberculosis.
What are the two main categories of diseases?
Infectious and non-infectious diseases.
List one factor that can increase the risk of infectious diseases.
Weakened immune system.
True or False: All viruses can be treated with antibiotics.
False.
What is the term for the study of diseases and their causes?
Epidemiology.
Fill in the blank: __________ is a disease characterized by the uncontrolled growth of abnormal cells.
Cancer.
What is a common symptom of viral infections?
Fever.
Define ‘pathogenesis’.
The process by which a disease develops and progresses.
What are the potential consequences of lifestyle diseases?
Reduced quality of life and increased healthcare costs.
True or False: Genetic factors play a role in the development of some diseases.
True.
What is the significance of herd immunity?
It protects those who cannot be vaccinated by reducing the spread of disease.
Fill in the blank: __________ is a common lifestyle disease associated with smoking.
Lung cancer.
What is a common method of preventing the spread of infectious diseases?
Hand hygiene.