Infectious Diseases

Nick Allen and Joe Vainisi

Identify
- The causes of infectious diseases
Describe
- 4 ways in which infectious diseases are spread
Infectious Diseases, or communicable diseases, are caused by organisms or viruses that
enter the body and multiply to cause damage
Most diseases are caused by organisms that are too small to be seen by the naked eye
These are classified as microorganisms
Pathogens are the broad term used to generalize microorganisms and viruses that cause
diseases
Pathogens encompass a wide variety of microorganisms
Viruses are the smallest pathogens
Bacteria are about 100 times bigger than viruses
Viruses are not considered living beings
They can only exist and multiply by invading a host cell and implanting DNA
Some viruses target specific cells like skin cells or respiratory cells
Common Cold
Hepatitis
Chickenpox
Mononucleosis
Mumps
Polio
Rabies
Rubella
West Nile Virus
Influenza
How a Virus works
Fungi are common microorganisms
Well-known fungi include: yeast, mold, and various mushrooms
Fungi grow in dark, warm, and moist places
Examples of fungi induced diseases:
Ringworm
Athletes Foot
There is also a much larger form of bacteria called protozoans
Protozoans have the ability of locomotion and can search through fluids for food
Protozoans can cause:
Malaria: a blood cell infection
Amebic Dysentery: a stomach infection that can cause stomach pain and diarrhea
Bacteria are single-celled living beings
Bacteria are everywhere, they live in air, soil, food, and in and on bodies of plants and
animals
Most bacteria are not pathogens
Bacteria can injure cells by giving off toxins
Bacteria on and in foods can cause food poisoning
Bacteria in minerals in the ground can infect deep wounds causing tetanus
Strep Throat
Lyme Disease
Anthrax
Tuberculosis
Cholera
Diphtheria
Pertussis
Tetanus
Typhoid Fever
Staph Infections
Pathogens can be spread very easily
After touching an infected surface, pathogens will search for a break in the skin or an
entry point to then multiply and infiltrate
Pathogens can get in through moist linings in the eyes, ears, nose, mouth, or other
openings
the causes of infectious diseases:
-Infectious diseases are caused by invasions on the body by pathogens, or more
specifically: bacteria, viruses, fungi, protozoans
four ways in which infectious diseases are spread:
1. Not sanitizing hands after touching someone else
2. Not properly cleaning a food before consuming it
3. Allowing an animal to touch an open wound
4. Using a fork someone has sneezed on
Identify
-The bodys physical and chemical defenses against infectious diseases
-Describe the inflammatory response
-Summarize how the immune system works
-Compare passive and active immunity
If pathogens are everywhere, then why arent you always sick? When you do get sick,
what keeps the pathogens from multiplying in your body? The answer to those
questions is that your body has a number of defenses against infectious diseases
Your bodys first line of defense against infectious diseases includes both physical and
chemical defenses that prevent pathogens from entering the body
These defenses include Mucous membrane, Cilia, saliva, tears, the digestive system,
and even the skin
Skin- Serves as both a physical and chemical barrier against pathogens. The
physical barrier are hard and have no gaps in between it. Sweat acts as a
chemical barrier because it contains acid that kills bacteria
Mucous Membranes- Cover the openings of your body. The Mucus traps many
pathogens and washes them away
Cilia- When you inhale, dust and pathogens get caught in the mucus, and cilia
makes tiny rhythmic like beating movements that send the pathogens towards
your mouth and nose
Saliva and tears- Your saliva and tears trap pathogens and wash them away
Digestive system- Chemicals in your stomach kill pathogens. Also, bacteria in
your digestive system produce chemicals that kill invading bacterias

If pathogens are able to get past your bodys physical and chemical defenses, your body
is ready for its second line of defense- inflammation
Inflammation is the bodys general response to all kinds of injury, from cuts and scrapes
to internal damage
When your body is first injured, the damaged cells release chemicals that cause blood
vessels in the injured area to enlarge blood, fluids and white blood cells called
phagocytes leak out of the enlarged vessel. The phagocytes go on the search to find and
kill pathogens
Phagocytes also give off a chemical that allows healing to begin. The fluids and dead
cells that accumulate at the injury site often result in the formation of a white liquid
called pus
The immune system is fights diseases by producing a separate set of weapons for each
kind of pathogen it encounters
When a pathogen enters your body for the first time, it often causes illnesses. This
happens because it takes time for your body to build up an arsenal to kill the pathogen.
Lymphocytes carry out most of the immune systems functions.
What happens if a pathogen that has previously attacked your body enters your body
again? This time your immune system will quickly recognize the pathogen and launch
an immediate attack. When this happens, it is said that you are immune to this disease.
Immunity is your bodys ability to destroy pathogens that it has previously encountered
before the pathogens are able to cause the disease
T- Cells perform several functions
-Killer T Cells will destroy any cell that has been infected with a pathogen
-Helper T Cells produce chemicals that stimulate other T cells to fight off
infection
-Produce chemicals that turn off other immune system cells when an
infection has been brought under control
The B lymphocytes, or B cells produce antibodies.
Antibodies are proteins that attach to the surface of pathogens or the toxic produced by
pathogens. This binding action keeps the pathogen or toxin from harming the body.
Each type of B cell produces antibodies that attack a specific pathogen or toxin
Once an infection is overcome, your B cells stop producing antibodies but they do not
forget how to produce them. The memory capacity of B cells explains why you
developed an immunity to some diseases you have already had

Much of your immune system is contained within the lymphatic system. The lymphatic
system is a network of vessels that collects fluid from your tissues and returns it to your
bloodstream. The fluid flowing through the lymphatic system is called lymph
There are two types of immunity- Passive and
active. Both types are important in protecting
your body against infections
People can develop immunity if they are given antibodies against a pathogen. Immunity
required by receiving antibodies from a source other than ones own immune system is
called passive immunity. This type of immunity is only temporary. It occurs naturally in
babies, who receive antibodies from their mothers at birth.
Passive immunity also can be artificially acquired. For example suppose you were bitten
by a dog with rabies. A doctor would give you an injection of rabies.
Immunity that your own immune system creates is called active immunity. Active
immunity results from either having a disease or receiving a vaccine
Injections which cause you to become immune to a disease are called immunizations.
That substance that is injected in immunizations is called a vaccine
the bodys physical and chemical defenses against infectious disease.
-Skin, Mucous Membranes Cilia, saliva and tears, Digestive system,Inflammation,
Phagocytes, T cells, and B cells
the inflammatory response
-The bodys general response to all kinds of cuts and scrapes to internal damage
how the immune system works
-The immune system fights diseases by producing a separate set of weapons for
each kind of pathogen it encounters
passive and active immunity
-Both active and passive immunity help your body fight off pathogens and
infectious diseases
Identify
-some diseases caused by bacteria and by viruses
Describe
-behaviors that can help you get healthy and stay healthy
There are four considerably resilient diseases caused by bacteria
These include:
Lyme Disease
Strep Throat
Meningitis
Tuberculosis
One can acquire lyme disease through being
bitten by an infected tick
Symptoms of Lyme Disease include: rash at the
site of the tick bite, fever, chills, and body
aches
A tick biting someone
(ticks generally target the scalp for
bites)
Strep Throat is a bacteria common among teens
Strep is short for Streptococcus
Strep bacteria are found in the nose and throat
Symptoms: sore throat, swollen lymph nodes on the sides of the neck, headache, and
fever
It can be diagnosed through swabs taken from the back of the throat
An infection in the spinal cord and fluid that surrounds the brain
Symptoms: high fever, headache, vomiting, and a stiff neck
There is also a viral form of meningitis that is less serious
Early treatment is vital to preventing more serious consequences
Tuberculosis is a bacteria that infects the lungs
It is transmitted through microscopic droplets in the air released when an infected
person laughs, talks, sings, coughs, or sneezes
Symptoms include fatigue, weight loss, a mild fever, and a constant cough
Can lay dormant in the body for many years after initial infection
If a doctor determines someone has a bacterial disease, this affliction will most likely be
treated with an antibiotic
An antibiotic inhibits or kills a bacteria
An antibiotic is a prescription medicine and can only be acquired through a prescription
Some diseases are caused by viruses that enter the body and multiply. Viral diseases
include the common cold, influenza, pneumonia, and hepatitis.
The common cold is really a group of symptoms that is caused by a number of different
viruses
Symptoms get more and more severe the longer a person has the common cold
Symptoms include sneezing, coughing, fever, headaches, and many more
Colds spread when a person touches a contaminated object or inhales droplets from a
sneeze or cough
The influenza, or flu, is a common viral infection of the upper viral respiratory system
It has very much in common with the common cold. Like the common cold, influenza is
spread by airborne droplets and contact with contaminated objects
The influenza virus, however, is much more serious than the cold, as it has much severe
symptoms
Some types of influenza can be prevented by a flu shot

In people who are elderly, or who have heart disease or breathing problems, flu may
develop into pneumonia, a serious infection of the lungs. Many people die each year
from pneumonia, which can be caused by viruses, bacteria, or even fungi
Hepatitis A is transmitted in human wastes and in contaminated water and food. Illness
begins about four weeks after exposure, and recovery takes several weeks. A vaccine for
Hepatitis A can prevent the disease.
Hepatitis B is more severe than type A. The virus can be transmitted in blood or
during sexual contact. It can also be transmitted through tattooing or body
piercing if tools are not sterilized. Over a million Americans carry Hepatitis B,
which there is no cure for.
Hepatitis C is also more severe than type A. Like Hepatitis B, it can be transmitted in
blood, during sexual contact, during tattooing or body piercing. Hepatitis C is the
number one reason for liver transplants in the United States. Approximately three
million Americans carry Hepatitis C
In most cases, there is no particular method that can cure a viral infection. For example,
Antibiotics are only effective against bacteria, and not viruses. Usually the best
treatments for viral infections are rest, a well-balanced diet, and plenty of fluids. Also,
Over-the-counter drugs can help treat some of the symptoms that the virus gives you
Infectious diseases, can be very bad, but they are a part of life. When you do get sick,
you can help your body recover by resting. This treatment and well-balanced meals are
all that you need to recover from mild infections. However, what if you have a more
serious infection? Do you know when it is time to see a doctor?
If you are worried about your health for any reason, see a doctor and discuss your
concerns with him. You need to seek professional medical care if you have any of the
conditions listed below
-An extremely sore throat, earache, vomiting, diarrhea, or a temperature of 101
degrees fahrenheit.
-Mucus from your nose or throat that is thick and yellowish green
-Difficulty breathing or severe pain anywhere
-A cut, scrape, or sore that does not seem to be healing as it should
-An Illness that lasts longer than usual
You can protect yourself from infectious diseases in three ways: avoiding contact with
pathogens, making sure that your immunizations are current and choosing healthful
behaviors
-Wash your hands several times a day
-Do not share items that can transfer pathogens
-Cook and store foods properly
-Avoid close contact with people who are ill
-Stay home when you are not feeling well
-Eat well balanced meals, and do not skip meals
-Avoid unhealthful substances, such as tobacco, alcohol, and illegal drugs
Identify
- Bacteria: Strep throat, Lyme disease, meningitis, and tuberculosis. Viruses: The
common cold, influenza, pneumonia, and hepatitis.
Describe
- You can protect yourself from infectious diseases in three: avoiding contact with
pathogens, making sure that your immunizations are current, and choosing healthful
behaviors. If you are worried about your health, contact a doctor
Define
-the term emerging disease
Identify
-five reasons why diseases emerge
To discuss emerging diseases, one must first know the meaning of an epidemic
An epidemic is an unforeseen high occurrence of a disease in a specific era
and location
An emerging disease often has the potential to become an epidemic
Emerging diseases are infectious diseases that become known and widespread
over the course of 20 years
Diseases can emerge when:
-Humans come into contact with infected animals
-Pathogens become resistant to existing drugs
-People lack appropriate immunizations
Diseases can be spread easily thanks to international travel and global food supplies
the term emerging disease
-An emerging disease is an infectious disease that has become increasingly
common in humans within the last 20 years or threatens to become
five reasons why diseases emerge
-Touching an infected animal
-pathogens resisting drugs
-people lacking proper immunization
-increased frequency of international travel
-global food supply
Fin