Question

Infectious Diseases. Please explain.

1. What causes infection, and how does the body protect itself from infectious disease?
2. How can infectious diseases be prevented?
3. What are the ways in which a pathogen can enter the body?
4. Infectious diseases can be considered diseases of “human behavior.” Explain that statement.

Answer 1

What causes infection, and how does the body protect itself from infectious disease?

Infections are caused by micro organisms called as pathogens ( disease causing micro-organisms) such as bacteria, virus, parasities or fungi. These micro organisma enter into the body, and then multiply, release toxins and interfere  with the normal body functions .

Body's natural barriers and the immune system helps the body to protect itself from infectious diaeases. The natural barriers include skin ( prevents the entry of any microorganisms unless there is a cut or injury to the skin), mucus membrane (it lines the inside part of the body and produce secretions called mucus that fights against infections) , ear wax ( it has antimicrobial properties that will kill microorganisms) , tears ( contains an enzyme called lysozyme which will help to kill microorganisms ) and the acid and other secretions that is produced in the stomach (kills the microorganism and prevents its multiplication) . The normal flow of urine also helps in expelling any microorganisms that have entered the urinary tract. The blood fights infection by increasing the number of white blood cells which will engulf and destroy the invaded microorganisms. The body will aso initiate an inflammatory process in response to infection which helps body to fight infection to some extend. The immune system defends microorganisms and prevent infection by producing certain substances called antibodies that will attack the specific invading pathogen.

How can infectious diseases be prevented?

Infectious diseases are preventable to a great extend. Maintaining hygiene in all aspects can help to prevent infections. Maintaing personal hygiene, food hygiene, disinfecting houses and maintaining environmental hygiene and sanitation. Avoiding contact with people or their surroung with a known infection and sharing of objects with them can help to some extend. Taking vaccination and getting immunized is another way to prevent infection.

What are the ways in which a pathogen can enter the body?

The pathogens can enter the body through various routes. They enter through mouth, nose, eyes, ears, urogenital orifices or through wounds or bites that breach the skin barrier. Microorganisms can also enter the body through vectors like mosquito. Using unsterile instruments and not following aseptic technique in hospitals can let the pathogens enter the body.

Infectious diseases can be considered diseases of “human behavior.” Explain that statement.

Human behaviour plays an important role in the transmission and evolution of disease. We know how to prevent infections through various measures as discussed above under the heading how can infectious diseases be prevented. However the emerging number of cases of infectious diseases clearly states what our mentality is toward these measures. The increase in the number of disease transmission is also due to this ignorant behaviour of man. This is what the statement explains in brief.