Communicable Diseases Overview
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Questions and Answers

What term describes the ability of a microorganism to cause disease?

  • Infection
  • Immunity
  • Pathogenicity (correct)
  • Virulence

Which of the following is NOT a mode of natural transmission of immunity?

  • Perinatal
  • Transplacental
  • Breastfeeding
  • Airborne (correct)

What is the definition of virulence in terms of pathogens?

  • The time taken for the first symptoms to appear
  • The ability of a pathogen to invade the host
  • The ability of a pathogen to cause damage to its host (correct)
  • The period after which immunity develops

Which stage of disease corresponds to the initial entry of a pathogen?

<p>Incubation (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which characteristic would most likely increase a host's susceptibility to infection?

<p>Age-related decline in immunity (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT a mode of transmission for infectious agents?

<p>High altitude exposure (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary purpose of infection control measures?

<p>To prevent the spread of infectious diseases (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which characteristic best describes a susceptible host?

<p>People with compromised immune responses (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is an example of a vector-borne disease?

<p>Malaria transmitted by mosquitoes (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is a common portal of entry for infectious agents in humans?

<p>Nasal passages, through inhalation (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which factor can increase the risk of a host developing an infection?

<p>Chronic illness (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What type of barrier is skin considered in the immune response?

<p>Innate defense barrier (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the significance of prions in infectious diseases?

<p>They target brain cells and are spread through unsterilized equipment (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What are the methods by which infectious agents can leave the reservoir?

<p>Fomites and excretions (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which living organism is an example of a vector-borne disease transmitter?

<p>Aedes aegypti (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is a common method of infection control deemed standard for all patient care?

<p>Hand hygiene (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is a portal of entry for infectious agents into a susceptible host?

<p>Respiratory system (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following characteristics can affect an individual's susceptibility to infection?

<p>Immune deficiency (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What does the term 'fomites' refer to in the context of infection transmission?

<p>Inanimate objects that can carry pathogens (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following measures is recommended after exposure to body fluids?

<p>Hand hygiene (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Flashcards

Portals of Exit

Ways infectious agents leave a reservoir (source).

Portals of Entry

Ways pathogens enter a host's body.

Modes of Transmission

Methods pathogens spread between hosts.

Susceptible Host

Individuals at risk of getting an infection.

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Vector-Borne Transmission

Pathogens transmitted by living organisms.

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Standard Precautions

Universal infection control measures for all patients.

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Hand Hygiene (Standard Precautions)

Washing hands to prevent infection transmission.

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Reservoir

Source of an infectious agent.

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Infection

The invasion and growth of microorganisms within the body.

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Pathogenicity

The ability of a microorganism to cause disease.

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Virulence

The ability of a pathogen to damage its host.

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Incubation Period

Time from initial exposure to a pathogen until symptoms appear.

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Immunity

The body's protection against diseases, especially infectious diseases.

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Antigen

A substance (like toxins, bacteria, or viruses) that triggers your body's immune response.

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Antibody

Y-shaped proteins produced by your body when it detects antigens. They help neutralize or destroy pathogens.

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Innate Immunity

Your body's natural defenses against pathogens. It's always active.

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Anatomical Barriers

Physical barriers like skin and mucous membranes that prevent pathogens from entering your body.

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Physiologic Barriers

Processes like fever, pH changes, saliva, and tears that help fight off pathogens.

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Phagocytic Cells

White blood cells (like neutrophils and macrophages) that engulf and destroy pathogens.

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Inflammatory Response

A process that occurs when tissues are damaged. It helps fight off infection by increasing blood flow and bringing in immune cells.

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Infectious Agent

A microorganism (like bacteria, fungi, or parasites) that can cause disease or illness.

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Study Notes

Communicable Diseases

  • Caused by infectious agents spread person-to-person
  • Communicable diseases are easily transmitted through various methods like airborne droplets, direct contact, or vectors.

Types of Communicable Diseases

  • Contagious: Easily transmissible, e.g., Ebola virus, HIV, measles, STDs
  • Non-communicable: Not easily transmissible, e.g., diabetes, hypertension, liver cirrhosis

Infectious Agents

  • Microorganisms capable of causing disease. Examples: bacteria, fungi, parasites.

Stages of Disease

  • Incubation: The time between exposure and first symptoms, typically 24-72 hours
  • Prodromal/Catarrhal: Generalized signs/symptoms (e.g., fever, headache)
  • Acute/Illness: Specific signs/symptoms
  • Convalescence/Recovery: Symptoms subside

Body's Defense Mechanisms

  • Antigen: substance that triggers an immune response
  • Antibody: Y-shaped protein that neutralizes pathogens
  • Types of Defense Barriers:
  • Anatomical (skin, mucous membranes)
  • Physiological (fever, saliva, tears)
  • Phagocytic (white blood cells: neutrophils, macrophages)
  • Inflammatory response (vascular fluid leak, antibacterial activity)

Modes of Transmission

  • Contact: Direct or indirect (e.g., fomites)
  • Droplet: Relatively large particles (up to 6 feet)
  • Vehicle-borne: in inanimate objects (e.g., water, food)
  • Vector-borne: Via living organisms (e.g., mosquitos)

Portals of Entry/Exit

  • Ways infectious agents enter/leave the body (e.g., mucous membranes, respiratory system)
  • Different bodily openings or passages

Reservoirs

  • Environments where pathogens live and multiply, including: people, water, food.

Susceptible Hosts

  • Individuals more susceptible to disease due to factors like: immune deficiency, age (young and old), diabetes, burns, or surgeries

Infections Control

  • Standard Precautions: Guidelines for preventing infections

Specific Diseases (Examples):

  • Rabies:

  • Symptoms: Hydrophobia(fear of water), aggression, paralysis

  • Transmission: animal bites (especially dogs, bats)

  • Diphtheria:

  • Symptoms: Sore throat, difficulty swallowing, fever, bull neck appearance.

  • Transmission: airborne droplets, direct contact (kissing)

  • Chickenpox (Varicella):

  • Symptoms: itchy blisters.

  • Measles (Rubeola):

  • Symptoms: Fever, cough, runny nose, rash.

  • Rubella (German Measles):

  • Symptoms: Fever, mild rash.

  • Mumps:

  • Symptoms: Swollen salivary glands, fever.

  • Poliomyelitis

  • Symptoms: Muscle weakness, paralysis

  • Tetanus:

  • Symptoms: Stiff muscles, difficulty swallowing

  • Dengue:

  • Symptoms: fever, body aches, bleeding from mucus membranes.

  • Leprosy:

  • Symptoms: skin lesions, nerve damage.

  • Malaria:

  • Symptoms: fever, chills, fatigue.

  • Transmission: vectors (female mosquitos):

  • Hepatitis B:

  • Symptoms range from none to jaundice and fatigue

  • Transmission: body fluids (blood, semen, vaginal secretions)

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Description

This quiz covers the fundamentals of communicable diseases, including their causes, types, and the infectious agents involved. Delving into the stages of disease and the body's defense mechanisms, you’ll enhance your understanding of how these diseases spread and how the immune system responds.

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