12C: Understand how infectious diseases can be treated and managed
Treatment of infectious diseases
Introduction
In the assignment the topic that is discussed is the treatment of infectious disease. What is
covered is how the medications that are prescribed to treat the disease works, how they are
adminstritated. Other topics explore the treatments available and what is talked about is how
these treatments could clash with others' cultural religious beliefs. What is also discussed
about this topic is what happens if the medication does not work or if any side effects can
occur making the situation for the patient receiving the treatment worse and how the
treatment procedure works in the uk.
Utilising antibiotics, bacterial infections can be treated. For instance, the bacterium
Streptococcus pyogenes, which is frequently treated with medications like penicillin, can
cause strep throat.
Drugs that are antiviral are used to treat viral infections. The herpes simplex virus (HSV),
which can lead to genital or oral herpes, is one illustration. To control outbreaks and alleviate
symptoms, antiviral medications like acyclovir are frequently prescribed.
Antiretroviral: Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infections are treated with antiretroviral
therapy (ART). Acute Immunodeficiency Syndrome (AIDS) is caused by HIV's immune
system attack. Tenofovir and efavirenz are two examples of antiretroviral medications that
are used to stop viral replication and reduce the spread of the illness.
Antifungal: Drugs with an antifungal effect are used to treat fungi. For instance, the fungus
Candida albicans can result in vaginal yeast infections or oral thrush. To treat these
infections, antifungal medications like fluconazole and clotrimazole are frequently utilised.
Antiprotozoal: Protozoa-based infections are treated with antiprotozoal medications. One
illustration is the protozoan parasite Trichomonas vaginalis, which results in trichomoniasis,
a sexually transmitted disease. Trichomonas is a disease that is treated with antiprotozoal
medications like metronidazole.
Antimalarial drugs are used to treat malaria, a condition brought on by the Plasmodium
parasite. One of the parasite species that causes the most severe form of malaria is
Plasmodium falciparum. Malaria is typically treated with antimalarial medications like
chloroquine or artemisinin-based combination treatments (ACTs).
Anthelmintic: Antiparasitic worm infections are treated using anthelmintic medications. For
instance, the intestinal infection known as ascariasis can be brought on by the roundworm
Ascaris lumbricoides. These worms are removed from the body with anthelmintic drugs like
albendazole or mebendazole.
How the treatment is given to the person with the disease
, Strep throat: When someone is diagnosed with strep throat the most typical and efficient
treatment for someone who has strep throat is the use of antibiotics. The most prevalent
bacteria causing strep throat, Streptococcus pyogenes, is targeted and killed by antibiotics in
order to treat the infection.
Distribution:By focusing on crucial elements involved in DNA replication and cell division,
antibiotics disrupt the reproductive process of bacteria. They may prevent the synthesis of
DNA-producing enzymes or obstruct the formation of brand-new bacterial cells. Antibiotics
lower the number of bacteria causing the infection by preventing bacterial reproduction.
The distribution of energy: Antibiotics stop bacterial reproduction by concentrating on key
components involved in DNA replication and cell division. They might hinder the
development of fresh bacterial cells or stop the production of DNA-producing enzymes. By
blocking bacterial reproduction, antibiotics reduce the quantity of bacteria that are causing
the infection. The next process of the antibiotics is breaking down the cell wall of the
bacteria. Antibiotics typically attack the bacterial cell wall, which serves as a vital barrier of
defence. These antibiotics may affect the cell wall's integrity or production, weakening it until
it eventually lyses (ruptures). Bacteria that lack a functional cell wall are more susceptible to
harm and are unable to endure the harsh environment.
Specificity: Based on the distinct cellular characteristics or metabolic functions of different
bacterial species or groups, antibiotics are made to target only those. Antibiotics that target
Streptococcus pyogenes particularly are recommended for strep throat. This selectivity
lessens the danger of antibiotic resistance and minimises damage to the body's healthy
flora.
Antibiotic resistance can evolve over time in bacteria due to genetic modifications or the
acquisition of resistance genes from other bacteria. This can happen when antibiotics are
used improperly, such as when the recommended course of treatment is not followed or
when they are used to treat viral infections. Healthcare professionals work to use antibiotic
prescriptions wisely and follow the right treatment protocols in order to battle resistance.
Antiviral
In the context of hepatitis treatment, the disruption of the reproductive process generally
refers to antiviral medication for viral hepatitis. Here is how antiviral drugs inhibit the hepatitis
virus's ability to reproduce.
Inhibition of viral replication: Antiviral medications target particular phases of the viral
replication cycle to stop the hepatitis virus from proliferating. They can obstruct the
mechanism by which the virus generates copies of itself by interfering with viral proteins,
enzymes, or RNA/DNA synthesis.
Viral polymerase inhibition: To replicate their genetic material, hepatitis viruses need
particular enzymes called polymerases. These polymerases may be the target of antiviral
drugs, which would block their function and stop viral reproduction. By doing this, the
medications prevent the virus from proliferating and spreading throughout the liver.
Analogues of nucleosides or nucleotides: These antiviral medications are used to treat
hepatitis. These substances resemble the structural components of DNA or RNA. The
hepatitis virus may inadvertently incorporate these analogues into its genome as it attempts
to duplicate its genetic material. As a result, the genetic material for the virus is produced
with flaws or malfunctions, thus stopping viral reproduction.
Interferon therapy: Interferon therapy may be used to treat chronic hepatitis B or C. Natural
interferons are proteins that regulate immune response and have antiviral effects. In addition
to preventing viral replication, they can improve the immune system's capacity to combat
infection. Typically, interferon therapy is given by injection over the course of many months.
