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Where germs lurk. pATHOGEN. A MICROORGANISM THAT CAUSES DISEASE Bacteria : single cell microorganism that can produce toxins which kill cells or interfere with their function Strep throat Pinkeye tuberculosis
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pATHOGEN • A MICROORGANISM THAT CAUSES DISEASE • Bacteria: single cell microorganism that can produce toxins which kill cells or interfere with their function • Strep throat • Pinkeye • tuberculosis • Virus: piece of genetic material surrounded by a protein coat that invades a cell • Common cold • Mononucleosis • Chicken pox • Fungi: plantlike organism that can cause disease • Athletes foot • Ringworm
Infectious Agent/Disease • Any pathogen that can cause a disease.
Reservoir • The place where the microorganism normally lives, grows, and multiplies • Many common infectious diseases have human or animal reservoirs. • Plants, soil, and water in the environment are also reservoirs • A carrier is a person who doesn’t know they are infected but can still share the pathogen with others
Portal of Exit • The place where the organism leaves the reservoir, such as the nose, mouth, blood, etc. • Usually corresponds to the site where the organism is localized. • For example: strep throat can be shared if an infected person sneezes on someone else.
Means of Transmission • The means by which an organism transfers from one carrier to another. • Direct • Direct contact-occurs through skin-to-skin contact (like stepping on a rusty nail), kissing, childbirth, &sexual intercourse • Droplet spread- spray with relatively large, short-range aerosols produced by sneezing, coughing, or even talking. • Indirect • Airborne- occurs when infectious agents are carried by dust or droplet nuclei suspended in air. • Vehicle borne- indirectly transmit an infectious agent include food, water, blood, and fomites (objects such as handkerchiefs, bedding, doorknobs, etc.) • Vector borne(mechanical or biologic)- such as mosquitoes, fleas, and ticks may carry an infectious agent
Portal of Entry • The opening where an infectious disease enters the host’s body such as mucus membranes, open wounds, etc. • The portal of entry must provide access to tissues in which the disease can multiply or a toxin can act. • Often, infectious agents use the same portal to enter a new host that they used to exit the source host.
Susceptible Host • The person who is at risk for developing an infection from the disease. • Several factors make a person more susceptible to disease including: age, conditions that weaken the immune system, genetic factors, nonspecific factors that affect an individual’s ability to resist infection.
Common Communicable Diseases • Respiratory infections: colds, influenza, pneumonia, strep throat, tuberculosis • Liver infections: hepatitis, jaundice, cirrhosis • Skin infections: staph, athletes foot • Mononucleosis • Measles • Meningitis • Chicken Pox
To stop the Infectious Disease • Identify individuals who are infected or colonized • Treat the infection as soon as possible • Clean surfaces (decontaminate), then disinfect them • WASH HANDS
To isolate the Reservoir • Medical treatment and testing • Quarantine the area or person that is infected • Environmental sanitation like insect and rodent eradication • WASH HANDS
To Avoid the Portal of Exit • Masks • Covering mouth while coughing • Trash and waste disposal • Control secretions and excretions- flush the toilet & throw away dirty tissues
TO interrupt the Means of Transmission • Avoid infected individuals • Abstinence • Sanitary practices • Proper food handling
To protect the Portal of Entry • Masks • Insect repellant • Wound care • Hand hygiene
To avoid being a Susceptible Host • Immunization • Health promotion • Medical treatment • Inform high risk people to beware of the disease
How to stay well • Drink at least 2 quarts of fluids per day. (caffeine, carbonation, & alcohol don’t count). • Get plenty of rest • Eat plenty of fresh fruits and vegetables • WASH YOUR HANDS!!!
How to avoid catching a cold • Keep at least 3 feet away from coughers and sneezers • Take care in closed spaces • Wash your hands often! • Sterilize sponges • Get a good nights sleep • Eat a well balanced diet • Exercise regularly