Pathogens And Communicable Diseases Flashcards
what is a disease?
a condition that impairs the normal functioning of an organism
what is a pathogen?
a pathogen is an organism that causes disease
list 4 types of pathogens;
bacteria, viruses, fungi, protists
what is a communicable disease
a disease that can spread between organisms
what diseases does bacteria cause?
tuberculosis(TB) : humans and cattle
bacterial meningitis : humans
ring rot: potatoes, tomatoes
what diseases does viruses cause?
HIV/AIDS: humans
influenza : animals and humans
tobacco mosaic virus: plants
what diseases does fungus cause?
black Sigatoka : banana plants
ringworm : cattle
Athlete’s foot: humans
what diseases does protoctist cause?
potato/tomato late blight : potato/tomato
malaria : humans
what is direct transmission?
When a diseases is directly transmitted from one organism to another
provide 3 examples of direct transmission
droplet infection (coughing or sneezing tiny droplet of mucus or saliva directly onto someone)
sexual intercourse
touching an infected organism
what is Indirect transmission
when a disease is transmitted from one organism to another through an intermediate(air, water, food, vector)
give an example and explain how overcrowding can increase disease transmission.
TB is spread directly through droplet infection,
also spread indirectly as bacteria can remain in the air for a long period of time and infect others,
risk of TB infection is increased when lots of people live crowded together in a small space
give two examples and explain how climate can increase disease transmission.
potato/tomato late blight : more common during wet summers because spores need water to spread
malaria: most common in topical countries which are humid and hot, as it’s the ideal condition for mosquitoes to breed in
give 2 examples and explain social factors that increase disease transmission
limited access to good healthcare; people less likely to be diagnosed and treated for HIV, most effective anti HIV drug less likely to be available, so virus most likely to pass onto others
good education; to inform people about how is transmitted and how it can be avoided (protection during sex)
