Infection and Response Flashcards
What is a communicable disease?
A disease caused by pathogens that can be spread between individuals within a population.
Also known as infectious disease.
Give examples of infectious diseases.
- Cholera
- HIV/AIDS
- Malaria
- Tuberculosis
What are the main types of pathogens?
- Bacteria
- Viruses
- Fungi
- Protoctists
How can disease transmission occur?
- Direct contact
- Contaminated water
- Airborne droplets
What is one method to prevent the spread of pathogens?
Good hygiene practices.
This includes handwashing and cleaning surfaces.
Fill in the blank: Bacteria reproduce rapidly and can produce _______ which damage tissues.
[toxins]
What is the role of phagocytes in the immune system?
To engulf and digest pathogens.
Phagocytosis can be enhanced by antibodies.
What is the function of lymphocytes in the immune response?
To produce antibodies specific to pathogens.
Lymphocytes can also produce memory cells.
True or False: Viruses are classified as living organisms.
False
They do not fulfill the seven life processes.
What does vaccination provide?
Artificial immunity by exposing an individual to antigens.
This triggers an immune response and memory cell formation.
What is herd immunity?
When a large portion of the population is vaccinated, reducing the spread of disease.
It protects vulnerable individuals who cannot be vaccinated.
What are antibiotics used for?
To cure bacterial diseases by killing infective bacteria inside the body.
What is passive immunity?
Immunity gained from antibodies provided by another organism.
Example: Antibodies in breast milk.
What is the difference between active immunity and passive immunity?
- Active immunity: Body creates antibodies (natural exposure or vaccination)
- Passive immunity: Antibodies given from another organism
What is the main component of the immune system?
White blood cells.
They play crucial roles in defending against pathogens.
Fill in the blank: Lymphocytes produce _______ that are specific to the antigens on pathogens.
[antibodies]
What is the function of antitoxins?
To neutralize the effects of toxins produced by pathogens.
What is a common method to control malaria transmission?
Preventing mosquito breeding and using mosquito nets.
What happens when a pathogen enters the body?
The immune system activates to prevent reproduction and destroy the pathogen.
How do vaccines work?
By introducing small quantities of dead or inactive pathogens to stimulate antibody production.
What is the effect of antibiotics on animal cells?
Antibiotics are not harmful to animal cells as they specifically target bacterial processes.
What is an example of a fungal disease affecting humans?
Athlete’s foot.
What are antibiotics?
Substances that stop bacteria cellular processes, affecting processes usually only in bacteria
Why is it important to use specific antibiotics for certain bacteria?
Specific bacteria should be treated by specific antibiotics known to work against them