Gordis Chapter 2

Question 1

Epidemiologic Triad

Answer 1

Interaction between:
1. human host,
2. infectious/other type of agent,
3. environment that promotes the exposure.

Question 2

Modes of Disease Transmission

Answer 2

Direct A disease is transmitted from person- to- person direct contact: touching, kissing, sexual contact, contact with oral secretions, or contact with body lesions (e.g. STDs).
Indirect Two types:
1. Common vehicle (e.g. contaminated air/water supply, no hand washing, contaminated gloves/instruments) transmits a disease; this can be: A. single exposure, B. multiple exposures, C. continuous exposure
2. Vector (living agent that carries and transmits an infectious pathogen to another living organism, e.g. fleas, lice, mites, mosquitos, sandflies)

Question 3

Origin of Quarantine

Answer 3

In 1374 Italy- people were frightened of the Black Death. Result- Venetian Republic appointed officials respon-sible for inspecting all ships entering the port & excluding ships that had sick people on board.
In 1377,-in Italian seaport of Ragusa, travelers were detained
in an isolated area for 30 days after arrival to see whether infection developed. This period was found to be insufficient, and the period of detention was lengthened to 40 days (quarante giorni).