Pathogens Flashcards
Epidemiology
Branch of medical science dealing with the transmission and control of disease
Pathogens
microbes (microscopic living organisms) or other agents that cause disease
Example of beneficial microbes
the symbiotic bacteria in digestive system of cattle and horses to help digest cellulose in roughage
Common types of pathogens
Bacteria Viruses Fungi Prions Protozoa
Bacteria
Single celled organisms that are prokaryotic
What are the 3 types of bacteria
- Cocci
- Bacilli
- Spirals
Symptoms of bacterial infections can include
- Fever
- Pain
- Swelling
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Formation of pus
- Abortion
The usual treatment of bacteria
Antibiotics, but treatment may vary
Prions
Infectious particles (not cells) made form abnormally folded protein found on the surface of nerve cells
Why are prions hard to fight?
Highly resistant to heat, radiation, and disinfectants
What sicknesses can prions cause?
- Mad-cow disease
- Some forms of Alzheimer’s
Viruses
Consists of a piece of genetic material (RNA) housed with in a protective coat. Not cells
How do viruses reproduce?
Hijacking cell of another organism (host) and get the cell to reproduce more viruses
Viruses are commonly associated with
- Skin
- Blood
- Liver
- Uterus
- Fetus
- Brain
- Lungs
- Stomach
- Intestines
Diagnosis of viruses
Done by:
- Virus isolation
- ELISA
- PCR testing (Blood testing)
