Questions and Answers
What is epidemiology?
A branch of medicine concerned with the occurrence and distribution of disease.
What are the key variables described in epidemiological studies?
What is meant by the term 'incubation period'?
The time between contact with an infectious agent and the onset of disease.
What can epidemiologic studies help evaluate?
Signup and view all the answers
What does the epidemiological triangle describe?
Signup and view all the answers
Which organization defined epidemiologic surveillance in 1986?
Signup and view all the answers
What is a key goal of disease surveillance?
Signup and view all the answers
The three questions important to consider before investigating an epidemiologic study are: Who is to be studied, what data are going to be collected, and how are these data __________?
Signup and view all the answers
Study Notes
Introduction to Epidemiology
- Broad field of medicine focused on the occurrence and distribution of diseases.
- Studies include both infectious and non-infectious diseases like cancer.
- Key variables in epidemiology include race, sex, age, social class, occupation, and marital status.
- Incidence and prevalence of diseases are determined through population studies.
- Statistical records may reveal patterns and links between variables and disease distribution.
Comparative Epidemiological Studies
- Involves comparing groups to investigate disease connections.
- Example: Study link between commercial sex workers and cervical cancer, comparing their prevalence with non-commercial sex workers.
- Another example: Investigating smoking effects through comparison of smokers with non-smokers.
Factors Evaluated in Infectious Disease Epidemiology
- Incubation Period: Time between exposure to a disease agent and symptom onset.
- Resistance: Biological immunity or resistance to infection due to past infections, vaccinations, or genetics.
Microbiological Responsibility
- Microbiologists focus on:
- Isolation techniques for organisms.
- Diagnosis confirmation in laboratory settings.
- Vaccine development and antibiotic treatment feasibility.
- Essential growth requirements of the organism.
Fundamental Tenets of Epidemiology
- Disease occurrence is patterned, not random.
- Causal and potentially preventable factors influence disease development.
- Studies evaluate transmission factors and the potential for endemic and epidemic outbreaks.
- Interventions' effectiveness can also be assessed through epidemiologic studies.
Epidemiological Triangle
- Describes interaction between:
- Host: Individual with the disease.
- Agent: Infecting organism (bacteria, virus, parasite, fungus).
- Environment: Setting causing transmission.
- For some diseases, interactions may require an additional triangle to illustrate the agent’s lifecycle outside human hosts.
Epidemiologic Study Considerations
- Key questions before starting an epidemiologic study:
- Sampling: Who will be included in the study?
- Data Collection: What data will be gathered?
- Analysis: How will the collected data be analyzed?
- Answers influence the study's design.
Disease Surveillance
- Defined by the CDC in 1986 as systematic collection, analysis, and interpretation of health data.
- Important for planning, implementing, and evaluating public health practices.
- Ensures timely dissemination to necessary stakeholders for effective disease control.
Successful Disease Surveillance Steps
- Gather detailed information about individuals involved (e.g., sex, age).
- Track the timing of disease occurrences.
- Surveillance systems must be selective and tailored to specific disease prevention goals.
Studying That Suits You
Use AI to generate personalized quizzes and flashcards to suit your learning preferences.
Description
Test your knowledge in Medical Laboratory Microbiology 1, focusing on the principles of epidemiology relevant to infectious and non-infectious diseases. This quiz will cover key concepts, methods, and applications in the field. Perfect for 400-level students in the Department of Medical Laboratory Science.
