Diseases and immunity Flashcards
Describe a pathogen
a disease-causing organism
Describe a transmissible disease
a disease in which the pathogen can be passed from one host to another
Is a pathogen transmitted?
yes
State the two ways that a pathogen can be transmitted
directly
indirectly
Describe how a pathogen can be transmitted directly?
through blood and other body fluids
Describe how a pathogen can be transmitted indirectly?
from contaminated surfaces, food, animals and air
Describe the body defences we have
the skin
the hairs in the nose
the mucus
stomach acid
white blood cells
Describe active immunity
defence against a pathogen by antibody production in the body
State what each pathogen has and what they have in specific
each pathogen has its own antigens,
which have specific shapes
Describe antibodies
proteins that bind to antigens leading to direct destruction
of pathogens or marking of pathogens for
destruction by phagocytes
Explain the importance of clean water supply in
controlling the spread of disease:
Prevention of Waterborne Diseases: Waterborne diseases such as cholera, typhoid, and dysentery are caused by ingesting contaminated water. By providing clean water, the risk of transmission is reduced, and the incidence of these diseases can be significantly lowered.
Hygiene and Sanitation: Clean water is also essential for maintaining proper hygiene and sanitation. Water is required for washing, cooking, and cleaning, and without clean water, basic hygiene practices cannot be observed. Proper sanitation practices can also prevent the spread of disease by minimizing contact with contaminated water.
Prevention of Epidemics: In areas where waterborne diseases are prevalent, epidemics can occur when large numbers of people are affected. This can lead to high rates of morbidity and mortality. By ensuring a clean water supply, the risk of epidemics can be reduced.
Better Health Outcomes: Access to clean water can also lead to better health outcomes in general. Clean water can help prevent other diseases, such as skin infections, and can also improve nutrition by facilitating proper food preparation and washing of fruits and vegetables.
In summary, the provision of clean water is crucial in preventing the spread of water-borne diseases, maintaining proper hygiene and sanitation, preventing epidemics, and improving overall health outcomes.
Explain the importance of hygienic preparation in
controlling the spread of disease:
Preventing Contamination: Proper hygiene practices can help prevent contamination of food and beverages. For example, washing hands and kitchen utensils can help remove pathogens that may be present on the surfaces. Cooking food at the right temperature can also kill any harmful bacteria or viruses that may be present.
Minimizing the Risk of Foodborne Illnesses: Foodborne illnesses are caused by ingesting food that has been contaminated with disease-causing microorganisms. These illnesses can range from mild to severe, and in some cases, they can be fatal. Proper food preparation and handling can minimize the risk of foodborne illnesses.
Avoiding Cross-Contamination: Cross-contamination is when bacteria or viruses are transferred from one food item to another, usually through hands, utensils, or surfaces. This can happen when handling raw meat, for example. By adopting hygienic practices, the risk of cross-contamination can be minimized.
Preventing the Spread of Water-Borne Diseases: Water-borne diseases, such as cholera, typhoid fever, and dysentery, can also be prevented by hygienic practices. These diseases are often caused by contaminated water sources, and by properly treating and storing water, the risk of transmission can be reduced.
In summary, hygienic preparation is important in controlling the spread of disease as it can prevent contamination, minimize the risk of foodborne illnesses, avoid cross-contamination, and prevent the spread of water-borne diseases. By adopting proper hygiene practices, we can minimize the risk of disease and promote a healthier environment.
Explain the importance of good personal hygiene in
controlling the spread of disease:
Preventing the Spread of Germs: Good personal hygiene practices, such as washing hands regularly, covering your mouth when you cough or sneeze, and not sharing personal items like towels and utensils, can help prevent the spread of germs that can cause illnesses such as the common cold, flu, and COVID-19.
Reducing the Risk of Infection: Keeping the body clean and well-groomed can help reduce the risk of infection. Bathing regularly and wearing clean clothes can help prevent the growth and spread of harmful bacteria and other microorganisms that can cause infections such as skin infections.
Preventing the Spread of Food-Borne Illnesses: Practicing good personal hygiene is important when handling food as it can help prevent the spread of food-borne illnesses. Washing hands before handling food and after using the restroom, and avoiding touching your face while preparing food can help reduce the risk of contamination.
Promoting Good Health: Good personal hygiene practices can promote good health by reducing the risk of diseases and infections. By keeping the body clean, well-groomed, and avoiding behaviors that can spread germs, you can help maintain good health and well-being.
In summary, good personal hygiene is important in controlling the spread of disease as it can prevent the spread of germs, reduce the risk of infection, prevent the spread of food-borne illnesses, and promote good health. By practicing good personal hygiene, we can reduce the risk of diseases and promote a healthier environment.
Explain the importance of waste disposal in
controlling the spread of disease:
Preventing the Spread of Infectious Diseases: Proper waste disposal helps prevent the spread of infectious diseases by removing potential breeding grounds for disease-causing organisms. Waste that is not properly disposed of can attract rodents and insects that can spread diseases to humans, such as leptospirosis, salmonella, and typhoid fever.
Reducing the Risk of Air Pollution: Improper waste disposal, such as open burning of waste, can release toxic chemicals into the air. These chemicals can cause respiratory problems and increase the risk of developing diseases such as lung cancer.
Avoiding Water Pollution: Poor waste disposal can contaminate water sources, which can lead to the spread of water-borne diseases such as cholera and typhoid fever. Contaminated water can also have long-term health effects, such as increased risk of cancer.
Protecting Wildlife: Improper waste disposal can also harm wildlife by contaminating their habitat and food sources. This can lead to the spread of diseases between animals and humans, as well as the death of wildlife due to ingestion of hazardous waste.
In summary, proper waste disposal is essential in controlling the spread of disease. It helps prevent the spread of infectious diseases, reduces the risk of air and water pollution, and protects wildlife. By properly disposing of waste, we can reduce the risk of disease transmission and promote a healthier environment.
Explain the importance of sewage treatment in
controlling the spread of disease:
Removing Disease-Causing Organisms: Sewage treatment helps remove disease-causing organisms such as bacteria, viruses, and parasites. These microorganisms can cause illnesses such as diarrhea, cholera, and typhoid fever. When sewage is properly treated, it can be safely discharged into waterways, reducing the risk of water-borne diseases.
Preventing the Contamination of Water Sources: When untreated sewage is discharged into water sources, it can contaminate the water and make it unsafe for consumption. This can lead to the spread of water-borne diseases, such as cholera and dysentery.
Reducing the Risk of Air Pollution: Untreated sewage can also release harmful gases into the air, such as methane and hydrogen sulfide. These gases can cause respiratory problems and other health issues.
Promoting Safe Agriculture: Treated sewage can be used as fertilizer for agriculture. When untreated sewage is used as fertilizer, it can spread disease-causing organisms to crops and animals, leading to the spread of food-borne illnesses.
In summary, sewage treatment is important in controlling the spread of disease because it removes disease-causing organisms, prevents the contamination of water sources, reduces the risk of air pollution, and promotes safe agriculture. By properly treating sewage, we can reduce the risk of disease transmission and promote a healthier environment.
