Spread of Diseases Flashcards
What is a communicable disease?
A disease caused by a pathogen which can be passed between animals or plants
What is a pathogen?
A disease-causing microorganism
How do bacteria cause disease?
Once inside the body, they divide rapidly by binary fission. They kill cells and produce harmful toxins.
How do viruses cause disease?
They invade and reproduce inside living body cells, leading to cell damage.
Give three ways in which pathogens can be spread
By air
By water
By direct contact
Give four ways in which the spread of pathogens can be reduced
Hygiene
Reducing contact with infected individuals
Removing vectors
Vaccination
Why is it especially important to prevent the spread of viral diseases?
Scientists have not yet developed cures for many viral diseases
What is measles?
Measles is a serious viral disease
The main symptoms are a fever and a red skin rash
How is measles spread?
By air - through the inhalation of droplets from coughs and sneezes
What is HIV/AIDS?
HIV is a virus that attacks and damages the immune system until it can no longer function properly. AIDS is a condition resulting from a long-term HIV infection. There is no cure or vaccine for HIV/AIDS
How is HIV spread?
Direct sexual contact and the exchange of bodily fluids
How can the spread of HIV/AIDS be prevented?
Use of condoms
Screening of blood for transfusions
Not sharing needles
Use of antiretroviral drugs to prevent the
development of AIDS
What is tobacco mosaic virus?
A plant pathogen that causes leaf discoloration when cells are damaged. Affected areas cannot photosynthesize, reducing the crop yield. As there is no treatment, farmers grow TMV-resistant crop strains to avoid infection
How is tobacco mosaic virus spread?
Contact between infected and healthy plants. Insects may act as vectors that transfer the virus between different plants
What is salmonella?
A type of bacteria found in raw meat, poultry, and eggs. If they enter the body via food poisoning, they can affect natural gut bacteria
