communicable diseases, disease prevention and the immune system Flashcards
(187 cards)
pathogen definition
an infectious micro-organisms that causes disease
4 major types of pathogen that cause disease in animals and plants
bacteria (prokaryotic)
viruses (non-living parasites)
protoctists (animal-like or plant-link eukaryotes)
fungi (eukaryotic)
communicable disease definition
a disease that can be transmitted from one organism to another
infectious definition
infectious diseases are those caused by micro-organisms (mostly bacteria, viruses, fungi, protozoa, parasites) that spread by direct or indirect means form one individual to another
vector-borne disease definition
diseases spread by other animals. for diseases of humans and domestic animals, the most important vectors are flies (mosquitoes, midges), fleas, lice and ticks. aphids are important vectors of disease in plants
water is also a vector because it carries parasites
why have infectious diseases e.g. diphtheria, leprosy, scarlet fever largely died out?
due to vaccines, antibiotics, improvements to sanitation ad changes in land use
which aspects of modern life have given rise to disease emergence
increased tourism to exotic locations
increased trade of animals and animal products
intensification of farming
cutting down of rainforests
climate change causing rise in global temps, so increasing distribution of vectors and their capacity to transmit pathogens. can also turn non-vectors into vectors
climate change may impact agriculture so increase reliance on bush meat
pandemic definition
an epidemic of a disease across huge areas of the world
how did the H1N1 influenza virus in 2009 come about?
arose from genetic changes in existing influenza viruses
how did the AIDS pandemic come about in the 1980s?
it is caused by HIV that is spread through exchange of bodily fluids e.g. via blood transfusion, needle-sharing by drug users, more liberal sexual practices.
examples of diseases?
tuberculosis (TB)
bacterial meningitis
ring rot
HIV/AIDS
influenza
TMV
black sigatoka
blight
ringworm
athletes foot
malaria
characteristics/symptoms of tuberculosis (TB)
animal or plant disease?
disease that affects many parts of the body, particularly the respiratory system. tubercles form in the lungs
animal
what kind of organism causes tuberculosis?
bacteria
tuberculosis method of transmission?
respiratory droplets
bacterial meningitis characteristics/symptoms?
animal or plant disease?
infection/inflammation of the meninges in the brain. causes major damage to the brain and nerves; lethal if not treated quickly
animal
what kind of organism causes bacterial meningitis?
bacteria
bacterial meningitis method of transmission?
respiratory droplets
ring rot characteristics/symptoms?
animal or plant disease?
ring of decay in vascular tissue of potato tuber or tomato, accompanied by leaf wilting
plant
what kind of organism causes ring rot?
bacteria
ring rot method of transmission?
infected farming equipment
HIV/AIDS characteristics/symptoms?
animal or plant disease?
attacks T helper (CD4+) cells in the immune system and compromises immunity
sufferers often die of opportunistic infections (e.g. pneumonia)
what kind of organism causes HIV/AIDS?
virus
HIV/AIDS method of transmission?
needle sharing
unprotected sex
blood transfusion
influenza characteristics/symptoms?
animal or plant disease?
attacks respiratory system and causes muscle pains and headaches
animal