Waterbourne Disease Flashcards
(50 cards)
What are the major diseases associated with waterborne illness?
- Cholera
- Bacillary dysentery
- Legionnaires’ disease
- Leptospirosis
- Enteric viruses
Why is water purification important?
It is essential for human health and helps prevent waterborne diseases.
What is the role of sanitary analysis of water?
To monitor water quality and detect potential pathogens.
Define indicator organisms in the context of water quality.
Organisms that indicate fecal pollution and the potential presence of pathogens.
What is cholera caused by?
Vibrio cholerae
What are the symptoms of cholera?
- Acute and intense diarrhea
- Severe dehydration
- Hypovolemia
- Possible death without treatment
How does cholera toxin function?
Toxin composed of two subunits A & B
•Subunit A - toxin with enzyme activity
•Subunit B - binds to intestinal receptors
- Hypersecretion of water and chloride ions
- Inhibits sodium ion absorption
What is the incubation period for cholera?
1-3 days
What is the primary treatment for cholera?
- Rehydration therapy
- Antimicrobial therapy
What is bacillary dysentery also known as?
Shigellosis
What is a key characteristic of Shigella spp.?
Gram-negative, non-motile rods
What are the four Fs associated with the transmission of bacillary dysentery?
- Food
- Fingers
- Faeces
- Flies
What symptoms are associated with legionnaires’ disease?
Pneumonia
What organism causes legionnaires’ disease?
Legionella pneumophila
What are common sources of Legionella pneumophila?
- Hot tubs
- Water tanks
- Cooling towers
- Decorative fountains
What are methods of preventing legionnaires’ disease?
- Regular disinfection
- Chemical level checks
- Daily flushing of fixtures
- Temperature control
What causes leptospirosis?
Leptospira genus
What are the symptoms of leptospirosis?
Flu-like symptoms
What are the two main types of waterborne viral diseases?
- Hepatitis A and E
- Poliomyelitis
What is the incubation period for hepatitis A and E?
2-6 weeks
What is the primary method for detecting coliforms in water?
Multiple tube fermentation method
In the multiple tube fermentation test, what does a positive result indicate?
Presence of coliform bacteria based on gas production in lactose broths
What is the significance of the Salk and Sabin vaccines?
- Salk vaccine: inactivated poliovirus vaccine for injection
- Sabin vaccine: attenuated vaccine for oral administration
What is the purpose of sanitary analysis of water?
To ensure water is safe for consumption and meets health standards
Sanitary analysis helps in identifying contamination and assessing water quality.