Disease Flashcards
What is the name given to a disease causing micro-organism
Pathogen
What are the 3 types of pathogens
Virus
Bacteria
Fungus
How do bacteria reproduce
They divide into two every 20 minutes
How do viruses reproduce
They infect a living cell and take over the control of cell reproducing inside the cell
Give an example of a bacterial infection and describe some of the symptoms
Salmonella causes food poisoning - nausea, diarrhoea, abdominal cramp
Tuberculosis - coughing, high temperature, fatigue
Give an example of a viral infection and describe some symptoms
Flu - high temperatures, sore throat, aches
Measles - high temperature, spots on skin, sore throat
chicken pox- high temperature, spots on skin
Give an example of a fungal disease and describe symptoms
Athletes foot - red itchy patches between toes
What can be used to treat bacterial infections
Antibiotics
How are pathogens spread
Through the air (airborne)
Contaminated food
Direct contact - touch
Contaminated water
Animals
How does the body protect against infection
Skin prevents entry
scabs form when cut
stomach acid kills bacteria
Mucus lines airways to trap dirt and cilia sweep it out of airways to be swallowed
What are the 2 types of white blood cells needed in destroying pathogens
Lymphocytes
Phagocytes
Describe the role of the phagocyte
Phagocytes will surround and engulf the pathogen
they break it down making it harmless
Describe role of lymphocyte
Lymphocytes are specific
they will produce antibodies that will attach onto the antigen on the surface of pathogen
This causes the pathogens to clump together making it easier for phagocytes to engulf
What is an antigen
A molecule on the surface of a cell - the body recognises its own antigens on its own cells.
If infected with a pathogen the antigens are different and the body starts an immune response
What is an antibody
Produced by lymphocytes to destory pathogens
