Communicable diseases Flashcards
(31 cards)
what are pathogens?
Microorganisms that cause infectious disease
what are the 4 types of pathogen?
bacteria
virus
protist
fungi
how do bacteria harm us and cause illness
they live outside our cells and produce toxins that harm us
How do viruses cause illness?
They hijack our body cells and live and reproduce inside, until they burst (causing cell damage)
Name 3 viral diseases
measles
HIV
TMV
how is measles spread?
droplet infection (like coughing, sneezing)
what are the symptoms of measles?
fever
red skin rash
coughing
how to prevent measles?
(MMR) vaccine
How is HIV spread?
exchange of bodily fluids eg during sexual intercourse or sharing needles
what are the symptoms of HIV?
Initially, flu-like symptoms => AIDS
treatment of HIV
antiretroviral drugs to control the replication of the virus
how is TMV spread?
contact (through open wounds in plants)
symptoms of TMV
Mosaic pattern of discolouration on leaves (mottling) and stunted growth due to reduced photosynthesis (affects chlorophyll)
treatment/prevention of TMV
remove infected plants, sterilise tools and wash hands after dealing with infected plants
Name 2 bacterial diseases
Salmonella and gonorrhoea
How is salmonella spread?
food prepared in unhygienic condition (contaminated food)
symptoms of salmonella poisoning?
abdominal cramps
vomiting
diarrhoea
(secretes toxins)
prevention of salmonella?
hygienic food prep
vaccinating poultry
How is gonorrhoea spread?
sexual contact (STI)
symptoms of gonorrhoea
thick yellow/green discharge form genitals
paint when urinating
treatment/prevention of gonorrhoea
antibiotic (penicillin)
contraception (barrier method)
name a type of protist
malaria
what is a protist?
a group of mostly unicellular organisms that are eukaryotic
How is malaria transmitted?
(female) mosquitos who are vectors
