INFECTION AND RESPONSE Flashcards
(26 cards)
What are pathogens?
Microorganisms that cause infectious disease, which may be viruses, bacteria, protists, or fungi.
How can the spread of diseases be reduced or prevented?
By implementing hygiene practices, vaccinations, and controlling vectors.
What are the ways pathogens can be spread?
By direct contact, by water, or by air.
What do bacteria produce that can damage tissues?
Poisons (toxins).
How do viruses reproduce?
Inside cells, causing cell damage.
What are the symptoms of measles?
Fever and a red skin rash.
How is the measles virus spread?
By inhalation of droplets from sneezes and coughs.
What illness does HIV initially cause?
A flu-like illness.
What happens if HIV is not controlled?
It attacks the body’s immune cells, leading to AIDS.
How is HIV spread?
By sexual contact or exchange of body fluids.
What is tobacco mosaic virus (TMV)?
A plant pathogen that affects many species, causing a mosaic pattern on leaves.
What symptoms are caused by salmonella food poisoning?
Fever, abdominal cramps, vomiting, and diarrhoea.
How is gonorrhoea spread?
By sexual contact.
What are the symptoms of gonorrhoea?
Thick yellow or green discharge and pain on urinating.
What is rose black spot?
A fungal disease causing purple or black spots on leaves.
How is malaria spread?
By mosquitos, which are the vectors.
What are the non-specific defence systems of the human body against pathogens?
- Skin
- Nose
- Trachea and bronchi
- Stomach
What role do white blood cells play in defending against pathogens?
- Phagocytosis
- Antibody production
- Antitoxin production
What is vaccination?
Introducing small quantities of dead or inactive forms of a pathogen to stimulate antibody production.
What is the purpose of antibiotics?
To cure bacterial diseases by killing infective bacteria.
True or False: Antibiotics can kill viral pathogens.
False.
What are some traditional sources of drugs?
- Digitalis from foxgloves
- Aspirin from willow
- Penicillin from Penicillium mould
What is preclinical testing?
Testing done in a laboratory using cells, tissues, and live animals.
What happens during clinical trials?
Healthy volunteers and patients are tested to check drug safety and efficacy.
