Infectious Disease Flashcards
Explain the difference between infectious versus no-infectious disease
Infectious diseases can be passed from one person to another via pathogens whereas non-infectious diseases are not passed between organisms and can be inherited (genetic), or a result of nutritional and environmental condition (lack of nutrients or exposure to chemicals).
What are the different pathogens?
- Bacteria
- fungi
- Protozoa
- Flatworm
- Roundworm
- Virus
- Prions
What are the virulence factors?
The following factors determine the severity of a disease
- Adherence
- Invasion
- Capsules
- Toxins
- Lifestyle changes
What is the adherence factor?
The structure of pathogenic microorganisms that help in attachment to skin or mucus membrane
Explain invasion factors
The ability of a pathogen to enter a host’s tissues, multiply and spread to other tissues.
Explain capsules
Protective coatings that surround the entire bacteria cell wall allowing the cell to resist immune defence
Explain toxins
The ability of a pathogen to enter a host’s tissues, multiply and spread to other tissues. Can be defined as endotoxins or exotoxins.
How can disease be transmitted?
- direct contact
- contact with body fluids
- contaminated food
- water and disease-specific vectors
