Infectious Disease Flashcards
How are infectious disease caused? (latent period)
Caused by infection, which when a pathogen invades the body of a host
Latent period: Time between infection and the development of symptoms/signs
What are the examples of pathogens? (five)
Bacteria Virus Fungi Parasitic worms Protozoa
How do you ‘catch’ an infection? (what is the four ways of transmission?)
From people: direct/indirect contact, airborne
From food
From water
From animals and insects = called vector transmission
What is the human body’s first line of defense?
Skin Cilia Mucus Elevated body temp. Cough, tears, saliva
What is the human body’s second line of defense? (the two types)
Our immune system
Recognizes antigens on pathogens that is different than your own
Cell-mediated Immunity: Macrophages(eater) and T-cells(fighter)
Humoral Immunity: B-cells make antibodies which stick onto antigens
What does the chain of infection look like? (influenza example)
- Pathogen: Influenza
- Human reservoir: Human 1 infected
- Portal of exit: Human 1 sneezes; pathogen exits mouth
- Transmission: Airborne water droplets
- Portal of entry: Human 2 inhales; pathogen enters nose
6: Establishment of disease in new host: Human 2 infected
How does vaccination work?
You insert inactive pathogen into your body. Your immune system will produce T- and B-cells. The cells form into memory cells, which can swiftly fight off the same pathogen if it infects your body for real.
Natural vs Acquired immunity
Natural: your 1st line of defense
Acquired: Develops after interaction with a suitable agent. Active is when body makes antibodies, passive is when the antibody is given to you.
Naturally acquired active: Immunity gained from previous infections
Artificially acquired active: Immunity gained from vaccination
Naturally acquired passive: Fetus gets antibodies from breast milk
Artificially acquired passive: Injection of antibodies
