WEEK 11: 11.7 Epidemiology of Viruses

Question 1

Define epidemiology

Answer 1

the scientific study of the distribution, patterns, and determinants of diseases in population

Question 2

What does the study of epidemiology include in terms of viral disease

Answer 2

analysing the factors that influence the spread of viruses, modes of transmission, susceptibility and immunity

Question 3

What are the 3 main areas of epidemiology

Answer 3

describing disease pattern
identifying causes
providing essential data for evaluation
management and planning of prevention, control and treatment services

Question 4

What are 3 epidemiological factors to look at in the context of viruses

Answer 4

Virus factors
Transmission factors
Host factors

Question 5

Describe virus factors

Answer 5

Structure (RNA vs DNA shape, sense) - to help identify vaccine targets
, enveloped VS non-enveloped, enzymes; subtypes, cellular receptors (understand infection type and severity), mutations

Question 6

Describe transmission factors

Answer 6

direct VS indirect transmission, blood-borne vs airborne vs physical contact vs vector vs fomite vs animal-human

Question 7

Describe host factors

Answer 7

ecological changes (deforestation, niches), environmental changes (climate changes, global warming), anthropogenic factors (war/conflict)
living standard (food & water safety, vaccines)
living conditions (contact with animals?)
life-style (drug use?)
socioeconomic status
age and immune status
air travel and migration as demographic considerations

Question 8

What is primary transmission

Answer 8

animal to human

Question 9

What is secondary transmission

Answer 9

human to human

Question 10

What is the effect of climate change on epidemiology of viruses ?

Answer 10

Altered environmental conditions can influence virus transmission
warmer temperatures: expand habit of vecotors like mosquitoes, encourage breeding- dengue and zika

Question 11

What are the effects of emerging diseases, give examples

Answer 11

they impact the epidemiology of viruses by introducing viral threats into populations.
COVID
they can overwhelm existing healthcare systems necessitate development of treatment
Can cause epidemic, endemic and pandemics

Question 12

Define the term epidemic

Answer 12

A sudden increase in cases spreading through a large population

Question 13

Describe the term endemic

Answer 13

constantly present in population; relatively low/no spread

Question 14

Define the term pandemic

Answer 14

a sudden increase in cases across several countries, continents or globally