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BTEC L3 Applied Science Unit 12 Assignment A
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BTEC L3 Applied Science Unit 12 Assignment A: Infectious and Non-Infectious Diseases. Referenced throughout. Awarded a DISTICTION.
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Diana DukaUnit 12
Assignment A
Diseases and Infection
Infectious and non-infectious diseases
Investigate different types of diseases and infections that can affect humans
Introduction
Humans are prone to catch a disease or develop an infection, at least once in their lifetime -
it is nature and part of the life cycle. Some of us are more susceptible than others, this can
be due to other underlying factors.
There are two types of diseases; infectious and non-infectious. The infectious disease, also
known as pathogenic diseases, are classified as pathogens, which are caused by bacteria,
viruses, protozoa, fungi and parasites. Whereas, non-infectious diseases cannot be passed
on from person to person. The conditions are more likely to be genetic and are hereditary
and it can also be caused by the environment. In this assignment, there will be a detailed
explanation and research done about the cause of non-infectious diseases on humans,
explanation of the characteristics of five pathogens. It will also explain and assess the effect
infectious and non-infectious diseases have on the human body and the analysis of the
effect of the progression on the human body over time.
Infectious Diseases - P1
What are they?
● Infectious diseases are caused by pathogens, which can be spread. There are five
main types; bacteria, viruses, fungi, protozoa and parasites.
These pathogens are organisms, which require a host to survive on. They can be
spread by skin contact, air, bodily fluids and sharing of objects, depending on the
type of pathogens.
Viruses
Viruses are akaryotes, non living beings that contain DNA and RNA, which allows them to
invade and then be replicated in a host. After replication has been completed, new viruses
are released from the host cell which destroys and damages any infected cells within our
body.
, The virus has a thin protein coating on the outer layer to protect the virus. Antibiotics are not
prescribed for this reason, as it cannot break down the protein coating that is on the surface
of the virus.
Viruses are most commonly known for causing diseases such as the flu, a common cold,
herpes - oral and/or genital, measles, HIV and AIDS and much more.
● Influenza - influenza, also known as the flu, affects our respiratory system. It is a viral
infection that is communicable from person to person through airborne exposure. The
virus is more likely to spread through cough or sneezing from the infected person.
Influenza usually resolves by itself typically 5 to 7 days after infection, however some
people who are more susceptible may need extra help and care from medical
professionals. These include people that are elderly, have a weakened immune
system from HIV or chemotherapy, babies and children under the age of 5, pregnant
women etc. Antibiotics should not be prescribed to those that are infected with the
flu, as it will not relieve symptoms and will not speed up recovery.
Bacteria
Another type of pathogen is known to be bacteria, or bacterium. These are single celled
prokaryotes, living organisms, that can be spread directly or indirectly, meaning able to
spread it through physical contact or through the air. They reproduce using binary fission
and contain DNA. There are two types of bacteria - the good and the bad. Also known as
healthy bacteria, which are present on our skin and inside our bodies, for example our guts
and the unhealthy bacterium, which can make us ill. Unfortunately, some of us are more
prone to becoming ill from a tiny spec of bacterium if their immune system is weak. On a
good note, antibiotics can be used to treat bacterial infections. However, some strains of
bacteria are resistant, this is known as antibiotic resistance. This is because doctors are
‘dishing out’ antibiotics unnecessarily, which cause the bacteria to become resistant to the
medication over time. (1.)
Bacteria mostly cause UTIs (urinary tract infections), meningitis, tuberculosis and strep
throat.
● Tuberculosis - also known for short; TB, is a bacterial infection of the lungs as a
result of inhaling infected droplets of coughs or sneezes from a person that is
infected. This type of bacterial infection can be serious in some cases, fortunately it
can be treated with the right type of antibiotics. Infected patients may develop
persistent cough, high temperature, fatigue and swelling of the lymph nodes.
Fungi
This type of pathogen is much harder to treat or kill when they overgrow because of their
structure. They have a membrane bound nucleus that is protected by a thick cell wall. Fungi
can be found everywhere on the planet, it can also be present on our skin. Fungal infections
can be spread through physical contact, contact of infected surfaces and inhalation of tiny
microscopic spores, which are present in soil and air. The infection usually develops in the
lungs or on the skin over time and is difficult to treat.
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