INFECTION + RESPONSE

• What are pathogens?

  Microorganisms causing infectious diseases
• How do pathogens grow and reproduce?

  They depend on their host for nutrients
• What do pathogens frequently produce that affects our health?

  Toxins that damage tissues
• How can we avoid diseases caused by pathogens?

  • Reduce contact with pathogens
  • Use barriers against pathogens
  • Enhance immune system with vaccination
• What happens when a pathogen enters the body?

  The immune system is triggered to respond
• What is the role of vaccination in disease prevention?

  Enhances the body's natural immune response
• What have antibiotics been developed to combat?

  Lethal diseases caused by bacteria
• What is a major concern regarding antibiotics today?

  Bacteria becoming resistant to antibiotics
• What are communicable diseases caused by?

  Viruses, bacteria, protists, and fungi
• How can pathogens be spread?

  By direct contact, water, or air
• How do bacteria reproduce inside the body?

  Rapidly, causing illness
• What do bacteria produce that can make us feel ill?

  Poisons (toxins) that damage tissues
• How do viruses cause damage to the body?

  By living and reproducing inside cells
• What are the symptoms of measles?

  Fever and a red skin rash
• Why are children vaccinated against measles?

  To prevent serious illness and complications
• How is the measles virus spread?

  By inhalation of droplets from sneezes
• What initial symptoms does HIV cause?

  A flu-like illness
• What happens if HIV is not controlled?

  It attacks the body's immune cells
• What is AIDS?

  Late stage HIV infection with severe immune damage
• How is HIV spread?

  By sexual contact or body fluid exchange
• What is tobacco mosaic virus (TMV)?

  A plant pathogen affecting many species
• What symptoms does TMV cause in plants?

  Mosaic pattern of discolouration on leaves
• How does TMV affect plant growth?

  Reduces photosynthesis due to leaf damage
• How is Salmonella food poisoning spread?

  By bacteria ingested in food
• What symptoms are caused by Salmonella?

  Fever, cramps, vomiting, and diarrhoea
• How is the spread of Salmonella controlled in the UK?

  Poultry are vaccinated against it
• What are the symptoms of gonorrhoea?

  Thick yellow or green discharge
• How was gonorrhoea treated in the past?

  With the antibiotic penicillin
• How is gonorrhoea spread?

  By sexual contact
• How can the spread of gonorrhoea be controlled?

  By using antibiotics or barrier contraception
• What is rose black spot?

  A fungal disease affecting plants
• What symptoms does rose black spot cause?

  Purple or black spots on leaves
• How is rose black spot spread?

  By water or wind in the environment
• How can rose black spot be treated?

  Using fungicides or removing affected leaves
• What causes malaria?

  Pathogens that are protists
• What is the life cycle of the malarial protist?

  Includes the mosquito as a vector
• What symptoms does malaria cause?

  Recurrent episodes of fever
• How is the spread of malaria controlled?

  By preventing mosquito breeding and using nets
• What are the non-specific defence systems of the human body against pathogens?

  • Skin
  • Nose
  • Trachea and bronchi
  • Stomach
• What happens if a pathogen enters the body?

  The immune system tries to destroy it