Interplay Of Host, Agent And Environment In The Origin Of Disease

Question 1

Describe the old model

Answer 1

Man is at the centre and surrounding him are all around him are the factors that influence. Such as
- an altered gene
- a pathogen
- lack of food
- radiation
These may increase susceptibility in the host / make them more prone to acquire other causes and develope the disease more easily

Question 2

Describe the newer model

Answer 2

The genome is at the centre - as it is continuously influenced by all the factors (physical, chemical, environment, radiation, nutrition, pathogens, social environment). These factors can be causes / or work together to produce the outcome.

Question 3

Describe the importance of the genome in the interplay

Answer 3

It is complex and extremely variable. Each person is heteroygous for at least 200-300 genes involved in disease, and carry number of mutations in disease modifying genes

Question 4

Why may degenerative diseases be increasing?

Answer 4

The mismatch between the genome (adapted at the time of the hunter-gatherer) and the modern world environment