2.2 and 2.3 Disease Transmission and Health Issues Flashcards
(23 cards)
What are the main modes of disease transmission?
Airborne, Food, Body fluids, Animal, Water, Direct contact
Define a vector in the context of disease transmission.
A carrier of the pathogen that facilitates the spread of the pathogen without suffering from the disease.
Provide an example of a vector.
Mosquitoes carrying Ross River Virus or malaria
What is the fecal-oral route of transmission?
Transmission of disease via water or food contaminated by faecal matter.
What can cause contaminated food and water?
Poor sanitation and hygiene or the presence of insects.
What is a common result of spoiled food containing pathogenic microorganisms?
Food poisoning caused by bacteria like E. coli.
What types of animals are often involved in disease transmission?
Bats, monkeys, dogs, cats, and raccoons.
How can bodily fluids facilitate disease transmission?
Pathogens thrive in blood and fluid secretions, transferring during sexual intercourse, bleeding wounds, or sharing needles.
Describe the lifecycle of malaria.
Half spent in humans and half in female mosquito vectors (Anopheles species).
What is endemic?
The regular occurrence of an infectious disease in a particular area without external inputs.
What is an epidemic?
The widespread occurrence of an infectious disease in a community or city in a short time period.
What is a pandemic?
The global outbreak of an infectious disease.
What are some causes of epidemics?
- Increased virulence of the pathogen * Transmission to a new group of humans * Transmission from animals to humans
What does virulence refer to?
The harmfulness or severity of a disease caused by a pathogen.
List factors that influence the spread of infectious disease.
- Mobility of populations * Use/miss-use and abuse of IV drugs * Urbanisation * Increased contact with animals * Poor sanitation
What is herd immunity?
When a large percentage of the population are immune to a specific infection, providing protection to the entire population.
What is a vaccine?
A weakened form of a disease that enables immunity without causing illness.
What is the role of antibodies in immunity?
To neutralise or destroy specific infectious diseases.
Fill in the blank: Pathogens may be transmitted through the air in the form of _______.
[droplet infection, dust]
True or False: All pathogens are specifically adapted to thrive within the host.
True
What is the main consequence of increased contact with animals?
It may aid in the spread of pathogenic organisms.
What is the significance of population immunity?
It determines the ability of a population to resist infections.
What can lead to low immunity in a population?
Lack of exposure to pathogens or inadequate vaccination.
