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Module 7

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7 views3 pages

Module 7

Uploaded by

dbeattie-charles
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
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Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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1.

Types of Pathogens

Understanding the different types of pathogens is crucial.

Bacteria

● Structure: Prokaryotic cells with no nucleus.


● Diseases: Tuberculosis, strep throat.
● Treatment: Antibiotics.

Viruses

● Structure: Consist of genetic material (DNA or RNA) enclosed in a protein coat.


● Diseases: Influenza, HIV/AIDS.
● Treatment: Antiviral drugs, vaccines.

Fungi

● Structure: Eukaryotic organisms, can be unicellular or multicellular.


● Diseases: Athlete's foot, ringworm.
● Treatment: Antifungal medications.

Protozoa

● Structure: Single-celled eukaryotes.


● Diseases: Malaria, amoebic dysentery.
● Treatment: Antiprotozoal drugs.

Helminths

● Structure: Parasitic worms.


● Diseases: Schistosomiasis, tapeworm infection.
● Treatment: Anthelmintic drugs.

2. Transmission of Infectious Diseases

Understanding how diseases spread helps in preventing outbreaks.

Direct Contact

● Person-to-Person: Through physical contact, such as touching, kissing, or sexual


contact.
● Animal-to-Person: Through bites or scratches from infected animals.

Indirect Contact

● Airborne: Pathogens spread through the air via droplets.


● Contaminated Objects: Sharing objects like utensils or doorknobs.
● Vectors: Insects like mosquitoes or ticks transmit pathogens.
3. The Immune System

The body’s defense mechanism against pathogens.

Innate Immunity

● Physical Barriers: Skin, mucous membranes.


● Chemical Barriers: Enzymes in saliva, stomach acid.
● Cellular Defenses: White blood cells like macrophages.

Adaptive Immunity

● Humoral Immunity: B cells produce antibodies to neutralize pathogens.


● Cell-Mediated Immunity: T cells destroy infected cells.

4. Vaccination

Vaccination is a critical method to prevent infectious diseases.

How Vaccines Work

● Introduction of Antigens: Vaccines contain weakened or dead pathogens, or pieces


of the pathogen (antigens).
● Immune Response: The body’s immune system responds by producing antibodies.
● Memory Cells: The immune system creates memory cells that recognize and
respond to the pathogen in future infections.

5. Antibiotic Resistance

A growing concern in the treatment of bacterial infections.

Causes

● Overuse and Misuse: Excessive use of antibiotics leads to resistant strains.


● Incomplete Treatment: Not completing a prescribed antibiotic course allows some
bacteria to survive and develop resistance.

Consequences

● Harder to Treat Infections: Resistant bacteria require stronger, more toxic, or more
expensive antibiotics.
● Increased Mortality: Infections become harder to control, leading to higher death
rates.

6. Public Health and Epidemiology

Studying the spread and control of diseases to protect public health.

Epidemiology
● Outbreak Investigation: Identifying the source and spread of diseases.
● Disease Surveillance: Monitoring and collecting data on disease occurrences.

Public Health Measures

● Quarantine and Isolation: Separating infected individuals to prevent spread.


● Sanitation and Hygiene: Promoting cleanliness to reduce transmission.
● Education and Vaccination Programs: Informing the public and vaccinating to
prevent outbreaks.

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