10.1 AS Level

Infectious diseases

11 flashcards to master this topic

Definition Flip

What type of pathogen causes cholera, and what is its name?

Answer Flip

Cholera is caused by a bacterium called Vibrio cholerae.

Definition Flip

Name four types of pathogens that cause malaria.

Answer Flip

Malaria is caused by the protoctists Plasmodium falciparum, Plasmodium malariae, Plasmodium ovale and Plasmodium vivax.

Definition Flip

What are the names of the two bacteria that cause tuberculosis (TB)?

Answer Flip

Tuberculosis (TB) is caused by the bacteria Mycobacterium tuberculosis and Mycobacterium bovis.

Definition Flip

What type of pathogen causes HIV/AIDS, and what is its name?

Answer Flip

HIV/AIDS is caused by a virus called the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV).

Key Concept Flip

Describe the transmission route of cholera.

Answer Flip

Cholera is typically transmitted through the ingestion of food or water contaminated with the feces of an infected person. Poor sanitation and hygiene are major contributing factors.

Key Concept Flip

Explain how malaria is transmitted.

Answer Flip

Malaria is transmitted to humans through the bite of infected female Anopheles mosquitoes. These mosquitoes carry Plasmodium parasites, which are injected into the human bloodstream during the bite.

Key Concept Flip

Describe the common transmission routes of Tuberculosis (TB).

Answer Flip

TB is primarily transmitted through the air when a person with active TB coughs, sneezes, speaks, or sings, releasing infectious droplets containing the bacteria. Prolonged close contact is usually required for transmission.

Key Concept Flip

Explain how HIV is transmitted.

Answer Flip

HIV is transmitted through direct contact with certain bodily fluids (blood, semen, vaginal fluids, breast milk) from an infected person. Common routes include unprotected sexual intercourse, sharing needles, and from mother to child during pregnancy, childbirth, or breastfeeding.

Key Concept Flip

Discuss one biological factor to consider in the prevention and control of malaria.

Answer Flip

A biological factor to consider is the development of insecticide resistance in mosquitoes, which reduces the effectiveness of mosquito control programs. New insecticides or alternative control methods may be needed.

Key Concept Flip

Describe a social factor that contributes to the spread of tuberculosis (TB).

Answer Flip

Poverty and overcrowding are significant social factors. Poor living conditions increase the risk of TB transmission due to close proximity and weakened immune systems in malnourished individuals.

Key Concept Flip

Explain an economic impact of HIV/AIDS on a community.

Answer Flip

HIV/AIDS can significantly reduce the workforce, leading to decreased productivity and economic output. Healthcare costs associated with treating HIV/AIDS patients also strain economic resources.

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