Water borne diseases Flashcards
What are the three main entry routes of waterborne diseases to the body?
Gastrointestinal such as cholera. Respiratory such as legionnaires disease. Skin such as leptospirosis
What bacteria causes cholera?
Vibrio cholerae
What are the symptoms of cholera?
Dehydration, diarrhoea, may lead to death
What is the pathogenesis of cholera?
The cholera toxin acts on the mucosal epithelium of the digestive tract preventing host cells from being able to regulate sodium and chloride resulting in massive water loss from cells, leading to diarrhoea and ion disruption.
Where are outbreaks of cholera most prevalent?
In poverty stricken areas
What are the symptoms of cryptosporidiosis?
Abdominal pain, diarrhoea, weight loss, appetite loss
What is the treatment of cryptosporadiosis?
There is no treatment
How can you kill foodborne cryptosporidiosis?
By heating, drying or freezing
What are waterborne oocysts resistant to in cryptosporidiosis?
Disinfectants
What is the infection source of legionnaires disease?
Inhaling air containing bacteria dispersed in fine water droplets.
Why is legionnaires disease widespread?
Because it can be found anywhere where there is water
How is legionnaires disease spread?
Through air-conditioning systems and showers
What does legionnaires disease cause?
Severe pneumonia
What does leptospirosis cause?
A flu like illness
How is leptospirosis spread?
By L. interragans as they are excreted from bacteria and they enter via breaks in the skin
