Vaccines contain an agent that resembles a pathogen and prevents infectious diseases by stimulating white blood cells to quickly produce antibodies when a pathogen invades
Characteristics of antibodies
produced by whitebloodcells
proteins
can only destroy specific type of pathogen
how vaccines work
agent resembling pathogen introduced to body in form of a vaccine
white blood cells detect the agent and binds to the antigen present on the surface
whitebloodcells are stimulated to divide
antibodies produced by white blood cell destroy pathogen in vaccine
Antibiotics used to treat bacterialinfections by preventing synthesis of cellularstructures.
Misuse and overuse of antibiotics accelerate the emergence of antibiotic-resistance bacteria
In population of bacterial cells, some are more sensitive to antibiotic while others are less sensitive
when antibiotic taken, more sensitive bacterial cells killed, less sensitive are not easily killed and may survive
course completed —-> higher chance all bacterial cells killed
course not complete —-> less sensitive bacterial cells will multiply and increase in numbers
Antibiotics target bacteria by preventing synthesis of cellular structures
Antibiotics are ineffective against virus’s because viruses do not have cell walls, cell membranes or ribosomes
What is the difference between infectious and non-infectious diseases?
Infectious diseases can be spread from person to person, while non-infectious diseases cannot.
Give an example of an infectious disease.
Influenza
Give an example of a non-infectious disease.
Diabetes
What is a pathogen?
A pathogen is a microorganism that causes a disease.
How do infectious diseases spread?
Infectious diseases spread through droplets in the air, direct contact, and contaminated food and water.
What are the signs and symptoms of influenza?
High fever, headache, stuffy nose, cough, sore throat, and muscle aches.
What causes pneumococcal disease?
Pneumococcus bacteria (Streptococcus pneumoniae).
How is influenza transmitted?
Through respiratory droplets and touching contaminated surfaces.
What are the signs and symptoms of pneumococcal disease?
Fever, headache, vomiting, cough, chest pain, and rapid breathing.
What are the similarities in the transmission methods of influenza and pneumococcus?
1. Droplet infection containing the virus/bacteria
2. Touching contaminated objects or surfaces and then touching mouth, nose, or eyes
How can the transmission of influenza virus and pneumococcus be reduced?
Avoid close contact with infected individuals
Cover mouth and nose when sneezing or wear a mask
Wash hands with soap and water or use disinfectant
Avoid touching eyes, nose, and mouth
Vaccination for influenza and pneumococcus
Take prescribed antiviral drugs and antibiotics
How do vaccines work?
Vaccines stimulate white blood cells to produce antibodies against pathogens.
What are antibodies?
Proteins produced by white blood cells against antigens.
Why are antibiotics ineffective against viruses?
Because viruses do not have cell walls, cell membranes, or ribosomes.
What can accelerate the emergence of antibiotic-resistant bacteria?
The misuse and overuse of antibiotics.
What are the effects of antibiotics on bacteria?
Prevent synthesis of bacterial cell walls (e.g., penicillin)
Break up the bacterial cell membrane (e.g., polymixin)
Bind to bacterial ribosome (e.g., tetracycline)
Inhibit enzyme action in cytoplasm (e.g., sulfa antibiotics)
What should be done to prevent antibiotic resistance in bacteria?
A course of antibiotics should be completed as prescribed.