Disease

1. Disease • Communicable = spread from one living thing to another or through the environment. (colds, strep throat, mono) • NON-communicable = not transmitted by another person, a vector, or the environment. (heart disease, cancer, diabetes).

2. Definitions • Pathogens = organism that causes disease (virus, bacteria, fungi,etc.) • Infection = condition that occurs when pathogens enter the body, multiply, and damage body cells.

3. Virus • Pieces of genetic material surrounded by a protein coat. • Smallest known pathogens • invades host cell, takes over and copies • NO CURES • Run course and immune system will take over

4. Fungus • Plantlike organisms, molds and yeast. • Organic host • Athlete’s foot, yeast, ringworm • Cured with Anit-funglas

5. Bacteria • Single celled microorganisms that live almost everywhere on earth. • Harmful and beneficial • Can be cure with ANTIBIOTICS • Help digest food and make needed vitamins

6. Protozoa • Single celled organisms that are larger and more complex than bacteria. • Ex. Malaria and trichomoniasis • Cured with drugs that target protozoa • Rickettsias = resemble bacteria • Invade cells of another life form • Insect bites • Ex. Rocky Mountain Fever

7. Communicable Diseases • Cold = inflammation of mucous membranes. • Influenza = infection of respiratory tract. • Pneumonia = serious disease • Strep Throat = bacterial > direct contact. • Tuberculosis = attacks the lungs • Hepatitis = A, B, and C

8. Transmission • Direct Contact = touching, biting, kissing, and sexual contact. Sneezing or coughing can spread saliva or mucus to a person’s eyes, nose or mouth. • Indirect contact = Contaminated objects. Vectors (an infected carrier that transmits pathogen to humans or other animals). Water and food. • Airborne Transmission = pathogens that travel through the air for long periods of time (chicken pox, tuberculosis, and influenza).