Treating, curing and preventing disease Flashcards
What do most vaccines contain?
A dead or inactive form of a pathogen
Describe in detail how vaccines create immunity to a pathogen.
- Contain dead or inactive form of pathogen, with specific antigens on their surface
- Causes lymphocytes to produce complementary antibodies
- Some lymphocytes become memory cells
- Memory cells can produce the antibody much quicker upon second exposure
How does herd immunity prevent the spread of disease?
When most people are vaccinated, you are less likely to come across somebody who is infected or contagious
What is the function (job) of painkillers?
To relieve the symptoms of disease (but do not kill pathogens)
What are antibiotics?
A substance that slows down or stops the growth of bacteria
Why can’t measles be treated with antibiotics?
- Measles is caused by a virus
- Antibiotics can only be used to treat bacterial diseases
What are two examples of antibiotics?
- Penicillin
- Amoxicillin
Why can’t viruses be killed using antibiotics?
Because viruses reproduce inside host cells, so can’t be targeted by antibiotics
Why is it difficult to develop antiviral drugs?
- Viruses reproduce inside host cells
- Antiviral drugs might damage host cells while killing the virus
Describe three ways that antibiotics are being made less effective.
- overuse of antibiotics
- failing to complete the fully prescribed course by a doctor
- use of antibiotics in farming
What is antibiotic resistance?
The evolution of bacteria that can survive exposure to antibiotics due to a mutation in their genes
Explain why patients should complete a full course of antibiotics.
- Ensures all bacteria are killed
- None can survive, mutate and cause resistant strains
Describe four ways to reduce the occurrence of antibiotic resistance.
- Only take antibiotics when necessary (not for viral disease).
- Treat specific bacteria with specific antibiotics.
- Finish your full course of antibiotics.
- High hospital hygiene levels, including regular hand washing by staff and visitors.
Which drug is developed from foxgloves?
Digitalis, a drug that lowers the heart rate
Which drug originates from willow bark?
Aspirin
