Pathogens and Communicable Diseases Flashcards
How can we prevent the transmission of Communicable diseases?
-Maintain good hygiene
-Reduce contacts in populations if disease in communicable
-Identify those sick, isolate and treat them
What is a pathogen?
A micro-organism that causes disease. They spread from organism to organism using them for survival / reproduction
How to pathogens spread?
Direct transmission and indirect transmission
OR:
-water
-air
-direct contact
How do pathogens spread by direct transmission?
-Through placenta (vertical transmission)
-Physical content (Kissing, touch, intercourse)
-Airborne (Droplets from coughing, sneezing)
How do pathogens spread by indirect transmission?
-Waterborne (dirty drinking water)
-Vehicle-borne (door handles, light switches)
-Foodborne
-Vector-borne (other organisms)
What do bacterial pathogens do?
They remain on the outside of the cells of your body, where they rapidly divide by binary fission. The bacteria produces toxins which damage your tissues.
What do viral pathogens do?
They travel inside your cells and use your cells machinery to replicate their DNA and protein coats, then burst out and spread to other nearby cells.
What are 2 bacteria diseases?
Salmonella and Gonorrhoea
What is salmonella caused by?
Eating contaminated food
What are symptoms of salmonella?
Fever, stomach cramps, vomitting, diarrhoea
How can you control salmonella?
Incidence is reduced by vaccinating poultry against salmonella
What is gonorrhoea caused by?
Sexual contact (STD)
What are symptoms of gonorrhoea?
Thich yellow or green discharge from the vagina or penis, pain on urinating
How to control gonorrhoea?
Prevented by using barrier method of protection (condoms), treated using antibiotics
What are 3 viral diseases?
Measles
HIV
Tobacco
