communicable diseases Flashcards
Explain how diseases caused by viruses, bacteria, protists and fungi are spread in animals and plants.
Microbes can be spread in a manner of ways, including being digested, coming into contact with skin, being inhaled, being absorbed into the blood through the eyes, through sexual contact.
They are communiable diseases and transmitted by people, insects, plants, animals and contact of the microbe.
Define the term pathogen
a disease-causing micro organism
Explain how bacteria and viruses may reproduce in the body and why they make you fell ill
They cause illness by releasing toxins into the bloodstream, which cause harm. Viruses attack cells and rapidly reproduce inside of them. Bacteria reproduce via binary fission since they are prokaryotes. By reproducing they can rapidly expand their population and ability to cause harm.
Give examples of how the spread of diseases can be reduced
By taking steps to be hygienic, such as washing hands and avoiding contact with a sick person. Diseases are spread when pathogens enter a person, so by cleaning surfaces with disinfectants, and washing yourself with antiseptics, you can avoid pathogens entering you. Also, using contraception during sexual intercourse can prevent the spread of STDs
Know that Measles is a viral disease and describe the symptoms
Measles is a virus that causes painful rashes in the host. It is highly infectious and often caught by children. There is vaccine available which is used in developed countries, but not always in lesser developed nations. When caught as an adult but not a child, it can be much more serious and cause infertility in women
Explain the effects of HIV and how it is transmitted
HIV is an STD/STI and a virus that is very serious and can lead to AIDS. It stands for Human Immunodeficiency Virus and is spread via sexual contact, through blood contact, and through the contact of bodily fluids, such as semen. It can be prevented through the use of contraception, such as male and female condoms. WHen left untreated, symptoms can tend to develop that are groupas as AIDS - Aquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome, where the human immune system becomes too weak to fight off any infections, including basic ones such as a cold
Describe tobacco mosaic virus (TMV)
Affects plants of tobacco species and similar varieties, such as pepper and tomatoes. Infects the chloroplasts in plants leaves, which affects the plants ability to photosynthesize, until eventually, where if the virus becomes to strong, the plant is killed. The symptoms are stunted growth and blotchy blotches on the leaves.
Know that Salmonella food poisoning is spread by bacteria ingested in food, or on food prepared in unhygienic conditions.
A bacteria pathogen that causes food poisoning. Can be spread by uncooked or poorly reheated poultry, meat and eggs. Also, from unhygienic kitchens and it being spread from person to person. As a result, all animals in the UK are given a salmonella vaccine to prevent infection.
Describe the symptoms of salmonella food poisoning
Abdominal pains, stomach cramps, vomiting, and diarrhoea
Know how Gonorrhoea is a transmitted and how its spread can be reduced.
Is a STI bacteria that is transmitted during sexual intercourse, Can be prevented from abstaining from intercourse or using contraception, like condoms
State the cause of Gonorrhoea and describe the symptoms and how it is treated
Pain experienced whilst urinating, yellow discharge from genitals, infertility problems. Can be treated with courses of antibiotics but scientists fear that they may one day stop working, as the bacteria develops resistance.
Describe rose black spot and state its cause
A fungus that affects roses. Causes black blotches on the leaves, an the rest of the leaf turns yellow. The leaves may consequently fall of the plant, and therefore the rose’s ability to photosynthesize is reduced.
Know how rose black spot is spread in the environment and how it can be treated
It can be transmitted through the air or through water, as well as from dead leaves. Can also be spread by humans using contaminated equipment. Can be treated with fungicides.
Describe malaria and state its cause
Malaria is a protist, which is a type of pathogen. It is spread by mosquitoes, which suck infected peoples blood, and then transmit the disease when they suck someone else’s blood. The symptoms are severe, including fever, sweating, vomit, diarrhoea and headaches. Half the 200 million that are infected each year, half die from the infection.
Know how malaria is spread and how to reduce the spread of the disease
It is spread by mosquitoes, who transmit the disease in blood. The spread of the infection can be prevented by preventing mosquito bites: through mosquito nets, anti-mosquito creams and repellents. The disease is prevalent in hot places such as in Africa, South America and Asia. Also, antimalarial drugs can be taken to treat the symptoms and prevent infection in the first place.
