Infectious Diseases

Chapter 13
Communicable

What is an infectious disease?

Any disease that is caused by an agent

that has invaded the body ---can pass
from one living thing to another
Example:

influenza (flu)
Not cancer or heart disease

Also known as communicable disease

What causes infectious diseases?

Caused by pathogens (any agent that causes

disease)

BACTERIA

single-celled

VIRUS
FUNGI

use nutrients of living or dead organisms

PROTOZOAN

Athletes foot, jock itch

malaria

PARASITES

Tapeworm, head lice, roundworms

What is a bacteria?
A single cell
Common diseases caused by bacteria:

Strep

throat
Food poisoning
Urinary tract-infections

What is a virus?

A microscopic disease causing particle

consisting of genetic material and a
protein coat
Survive

by invading a living cell

Common

diseases caused by a virus:

COMMON COLD
FLU
COLD SORE
MEASLES

How are infectious diseases spread?

Person to person contact
Food and water
Environment

Through

the air

Animals (mosquitoes, ticks)

Contact with contaminated objects

How are infectious diseases treated?

Bacterial diseases

Antibiotics

Viral diseases

No cure!

Fungal diseases

Anti-fungal medicine

Protozoan infections

Medicines help relieve symptoms

Prescription meds.

Parasitic infections

Depends

Head lice = medicated shampoo

How do you prevent the spread of

diseases?
Get vaccinated
Keep clean

Wash

your hands!

Dont share personal items

Cover your mouth
Be on guard outdoors

Wear

proper clothing