Diseases

Question 1

What is Tetanus?

Answer 1

• Severe neurological disease caused by Clostridium tetani neurotoxin
• Characterized by painful muscle contractions/spasms
• Starts with lockjaw, progresses to neck, trunk, extremities
• Contracted through contaminated wound with C. tetani spores (Found in soil,manure, or dust)
• Prevention: wound care, tetanus vaccination
• Severe cases require supportive care (sedation, paralysis, ventilation)

Question 2

What is gas gangrene?

Answer 2

• Rare, life-threatening infection caused by Clostridium perfringens (anaerobic)
• Occurs when bacteria contaminates deep wound/injured tissue
• Produces toxins that release gas and cause rapid tissue death
• Symptoms: severe pain, fever, swelling, blistering, foul odor
• Spreads rapidly, can lead to sepsis, shock, death if untreated
• Requires prompt surgical debridement, antibiotics, supportive care
• Prevention: proper wound care, avoid contamination

Question 3

What is Botulism?

Answer 3

• An acute neurological disorder
• Caused by neurotoxin from Clostridium botulinum bacteria
• Three main forms: foodborne (ingesting contaminated food), infant (ingesting spores that colonize the intestines) , wound (spores infection a wound)
• Symptoms: fatigue, weakness, vision problems, difficulty swallowing, paralysis
• Requires early antitoxin treatment and supportive care
• Prevention through proper food handling, wound care, avoiding contamination

Question 4

What is Tuberculosis?

Answer 4

• Infectious disease caused by Mycobacterium tuberculosis bacteria
• Primarily affects the lungs, but can spread to other organs
• Transmitted through the air by coughing, sneezing, or talking
• Symptoms include persistent cough, fever, night sweats, weight loss
• Requires long-term treatment with multiple antibiotics
• Major global health problem, especially in developing countries
• Early diagnosis and proper treatment crucial to control spread

Question 5

What is measles?

Answer 5

• Highly contagious viral disease
• Caused by measles virus (Morbillivirus)
• Characterized by red, spreading rash and fever
• Transmitted through respiratory droplets or airborne route
• Can lead to serious complications like pneumonia and encephalitis
• Preventable through measles vaccination

Question 6

What is Anthrax?

Answer 6

• Infectious disease caused by Bacillus anthracis bacteria
• Affects livestock, can spread to humans through infected animals/products
• Three main forms: cutaneous (skin), inhalation, gastrointestinal
• Inhalational anthrax is most severe, occurs from breathing in spores
• Prompt antibiotic treatment crucial
• Considered potential bioterrorism agent due to hardy spores

Question 7

What is influenza?

Answer 7

• Highly contagious viral respiratory illness
• Caused by influenza viruses
• Symptoms: Sudden fever, Body aches, headache, Fatigue, Cough, Sore throat
• Can lead to serious complications like pneumonia
• High-risk groups:
  
  • Elderly
  • Young children
  • Pregnant women
  • Those with chronic conditions
• Prevention:
  
  • Hand hygiene
  • Respiratory etiquette
  • Annual flu vaccination