infection and response (T3) Flashcards
(99 cards)
what is a communicable disease
a disease caused by a pathogen which can be passed between animals or plants e.g. flu
what is a pathogen
a disease causing-microorganism
what are the 4 types of pathogen
virus, fungi, protist. bacteria
how do bacteria cause disease
once inside the body they divide rapidly by binary fission. they kill cells and produce harmful toxins
how do viruses cause disease
hijack cells and reproduce until the cell bursts causing damage
ways in which pathogens can be spread
by air- flu, tb, cold (droplet infection)
by water - cholera, fungal spores spread plant diseases
by touch - cold sores
by food - food poisoning E.Coli 0157
blood - hepatitis
sexually transmitted - chlamydia
insect borne - malaria
ways in which the spread of pathogens by air can be reduced
- covering mouth when you sneeze or cough
- wearing a mask
ways in which the spread of pathogens by touch can be reduced
- washing hands
- isolation
ways in which the spread of pathogens by food can be reduced
- cook food properly
- clean well
- good cooking hygiene
ways in which the spread of pathogens by water can be reduced
- sterilise water - boil it
- drink clean water
ways in which the spread of pathogens by blood can be reduced
- don’t share needles
- get blood checked
ways in which the spread of pathogens by sexual contact can be reduced
- barrier method of contraception e.g. condoms
ways in which the spread of pathogens by insects can be reduced
- mosquito nets
- insect repellant
why is it especially important to reduce the spread of viral diseases
scientists have not yet developed cures for many viral diseases
what is measles
serious viral diseases that can lead to blindness and brain damage.
what are the main symptoms of measles
fever, red skin rash
how is measles spread
by air - inhalation of droplets from coughs and sneezes
what is HIV/AIDS
virus which attacks and damages the immune system until it can no longer function properly. AIDS is the condition resulting from a long term HIV infection. there is no cure.
how is HIV spread
direct sexual contact and exchange of bodily fluids eg. blood, breastmilk
symptoms of HIV
- AIDS
- herpes or cold sores
- short flu-like illness but can feel well for a long time
- weight loss
- night sweats. thrush in the mouth
how to reduce spread of HIV
- contraception methods
- not sharing needles
treatments for HIV
- anti-viral drugs stop virus replicating
- can have HIV w/o symptoms or transmission to others
treatment for measles
no specific treatment, lots of fluids and rest
what is gonorrhoea
a bacterial infection