topic 3 - infection and response: communicable diseases Flashcards
What are pathogens?
Microorganisms that cause diseases.
What type of disease do pathogens cause?
Communicable (infectious) diseases.
What is a communicable disease?
A disease which is infectious/can be spread.
What are the four types of pathogen?
Bacteria, viruses, fungi and protists.
What 3 ways can pathogens be spread?
By direct contact, through water or through air.
Which 2 pathogens can reproduce rapidly inside the body?
Viruses and bacteria.
How do bacteria make you feel ill?
By producing toxins (poisons) that damage tissues and make us feel ill.
Where do viruses live and reproduce, and what does this cause?
They live and reproduce inside cells which causes cell damage.
What is a vector?
An agent which carries and transmits an infectious pathogen to another organism.
Which type of pathogen causes measles?
Virus.
What are the symptoms of measles?
Fever and a red skin rash.
Is measles a serious illness?
Yes - it can be fatal if complications arise.
What precaution is taken to prevent young children from getting measles?
They are vaccinated against measles.
How is the measles virus spread?
Inhalation of droplets from sneezes and coughs.
What type of pathogen causes HIV?
Virus.
What type of illness does HIV initially cause?
A flu-like illness.
What type of drugs can HIV be controlled with?
Antireteroviral drugs.
What does HIV do if not controlled?
Attacks the body’s immune cells.
When does AIDS occur?
When the body’s immune system become so badly damage that it can no longer deal with other infections or cancers.
What are the two ways which HIV is spread?
Through sexual contact or exchange of bodily fluids (eg. sharing needles).
What does TMV stand for?
Tobacco mosaic virus.
What type of pathogen causes TMV?
Virus.
What does TMV affect?
Many species of plants including tomatoes.
How can you tell that a plant has TMV?
It gives a distinct mosaic pattern of discolouration on the leaves.
