Non-Communicable vs Communicable Diseases

Study Notes

Some diseases are not passed from person to person
They result from bodily issues, like genetic faults (e.g., cystic fibrosis) or lifestyle choices
Cardiovascular disease can be treated with medications, surgery, or lifestyle changes
Cirrhosis of the liver is characterized by a paler, larger, rough, and harder liver compared to a healthy liver (which is dark red, smooth, and soft)
Excessive alcohol consumption can lead to liver disease
Smoking increases the risk of lung cancer and cardiovascular disease

Communicable diseases are caused by pathogens and can be spread between individuals
Preventing transmission can involve methods like:
- Sterilizing water
- Thoroughly cooking and hygienically preparing food
- Using disinfectants to clean surfaces
- Treating existing infections
- Vaccinations (introducing weakened forms of pathogens to train the immune system)
- Using barrier contraception (like condoms) to prevent the transfer of fluids and STIs

Cancer is caused by changes in cells, leading to uncontrolled division
Normal cell division eventually stops
Damaged DNA in cells can lead to cancer
Tobacco smoke damages artery walls, potentially leading to blood clots and heart attack/stroke

Microbes:
- Bacteria (cholera, tuberculosis, chlamydia)
- Fungi (Chalara ash dieback)
- Viruses (HIV, cold)
Symptoms and Prevention of Certain Diseases:
- Cholera: symptoms include diarrhea, prevention includes hygiene and clean water.
- Tuberculosis: symptoms include lung damage, prevention involves avoiding overcrowding and maintaining hygiene.
- Chlamydia: symptoms include infertility, prevention involves avoiding overcrowding and maintaining hygiene.
- Helicobacter pylori: symptoms include stomach ulcers, vomiting
- Chalara ash dieback: symptoms include leaf loss, a 'burnt look', bark wounds/lesions.

Transmission Methods:
- Water
- Air
- Bodily fluids
- Food
- Touch
- Animals (vectors)
Prevention:
- Good hygiene (clean water and food)
- Avoiding close contact in crowded settings
- Barrier methods to prevent disease transmission (e.g., condoms)

Spread bacteria on agar plates
Place discs with plant extracts on the plates
Observe the zone of inhibition around the discs, indicating bacteria-killing effectiveness
Using the plates to test different plant extracts

Means of Transmission: sexual contact and fresh blood
Treatment: antiviral and antibiotics
Prevention: Using condoms, abstinence, and screening
Long Term Impacts of STIs and Other Related Infections: include other infections due to damaged immunity. Other examples given include AIDS and related long-term symptoms.
Symptoms: some people show symptoms while many may have none
Important Factors to Consider: Physical barriers and chemical defenses to prevent the entry of pathogens
Reducing the spread through avoidance of contact with infected individuals. Using condoms and abstaining from sexual contact.