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UNIT 12 ASSIGNMENTInfectious and Non-infectious Diseases
, Introduction
A disease is a medical condition that is characterized by symptoms. It can affect an individual's
lifestyle both physically and mentally, as well as making it harder to carry through everyday
normalities. There can be two different types of diseases. The infectious diseases where the
disease can “travel” from organism to organism either through direct transfer of the
virus,bacteria or spread through the air by droplets (sneezing or coughing). An example could be
the virus influenza which will be explained in further detail. The other type of disease is the non-
infectious disease which is not spread directly through physical touch or through air. But are
caused by either genetics,environment -like allergies and malnutrition. An example can be
Huntington’s disease which also will be explained further in detail. The difference between the
two are the pathogens. Non infectious diseases are not caused by pathogens which is why it does
not infect with direct touch from person to person. On the other hand, a non-infectious disease
can be a genetic dis-advantage for the carrier to pass it down to the upspring.
Infectious diseases are caused by either of these five pathogens. Bacteria, Viruses, Parasites,
Fungus or Protozoa.
Bacteria
are responsible for a range of infections, ranging from asymptomatic to sudden and intense. Diseases
caused by pathogenic bacteria are often the result of the production of toxins. Endotoxins are components
of the bacterial cell wall that are released after death and deterioration of the bacterium. These toxins
cause symptoms including fever, changes in blood pressure, chills, septic shock, organ damage and death.
Exotoxins are produced by bacteria and released into their environment. Neurotoxins are toxic substances
that act on the nervous system and the brain. Clostridium botulinum bacteria release a neurotoxin that
causes muscle paralysis. Enterotoxins affect the intestinal cells, causing severe vomiting and diarrhea.
Bacterial species that produce enterotoxins include Bacillus, Clostridium, Escherichia, Staphylococcus
and Vibrio.
Viruses
are unique pathogens in that they are not cells, but segments of DNA or RNA encapsulated in a capsid
(protein sheath). They cause disease by infecting cells and commanding cell machines to produce more
viruses at rapid speed. They counteract or avoid detection of the immune system and multiply greatly
within their host. Viruses not only infect animal and plant cells, but also infect bacteria and archaea. Viral
infections in humans range in severity from mild to fatal . Viruses often target and infect specific tissues
or organs in the body. The flu virus, for example, has an affinity for the respiratory tissues resulting in
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