The Cause of Infectious Disease Dr. Solis

The Cause of Infectious Disease  Disease – a term that can be used to describe any condition that negatively affects the normal functioning of the mind or body.  In a way, infirmities and illness are reminders of the weakness of the human body.  The Bible tells us that God is a God that can heal (Exodus 15:26)

Something to think about  “Ring around the rosy, a pocket full of posies, Ashes Ashes, we all fall down” -- This children’s rhyme was originally sung during the Middle Ages in Europe during the ‘black death’ or bubonic plague.  Ashes, Ashes used to be read Achoo Achoo (because of the sneezing symptoms of a person with the plague)  Later it was switched to Ashes Ashes because they would burn the bodies to prevent the spread of the illness  In the old days, people did not know what caused illness, or even how to treat them.

Types of Pathogens  In the 1800s Louis Pasteur founded the idea that germs cause disease  This became known as Germ Theory  He began ‘Pasteurizing’ milk – which is what all people in developing nations drink today.

Types of Pathogens  Infectious Diseases – all diseases caused by the spread of Germs (also known as communicable diseases )  These can be passed on from one person to another  Pathogens – microorganisms that cause disease: bacteria, viruses, fungi, and tiny animals (parasites) are pathogens

Bacteria  Bacteria  One celled, tiny organisms that come in many shapes:  Rod like (bacillus)  Round (coccus)  Spiral (Spirochete)  Bacteria grow everywhere  Not all bacteria are harmful – some bacteria is produced by your body to break down food – these are called resident bacteria

Bacteria  Bacteria: Living organisms  They need food, and they produce waste  That waste is poison to the body  Bacterial diseases include:  Cholera  Pneumonia  Tuberculosis  Certain venereal diseases (gonorrhea)  Strep infection  Staph infection  Botulism

Viruses  Viruses: responsible for more infections than any other pathogen  Smaller than bacteria, invades a cell and begins to damage it.  The virus multiplies within a cell and damages it so it cannot function and dies  Your body develops symptoms to let you know it is fighting an intruder  Your body works overtime and becomes tired and rundown.  Listen to your body  You need good nutrition and rest.

Viruses  Types of Viruses  Polio  Mumps  Measles  Chicken pox  Smallpox  Rabies  Hepatitis  Herpes  AIDS  EBOLA

FUNGI  Fungi: organisms that usually cause diseases of the skin such as ringworm and athletes foot  Fungi can penetrate the deeper tissues of the skin and cause symptoms similar to a virus  Fungi can also enter the body through the air

Tiny Animals  AMOEBA – one celled organisms that penetrate the human body and cause problems in the lining of the membranes of the intestines  A person who is carrying an amoeba pathogen may not know it but may still infect others  For example, people who handle food in restaurants may unintentionally infect customers.

Tiny Animals  Parasites – infectious animal  If a person carries too many parasites in the body, it can interfere with the individuals ability to digest food and absorb nutrients.  Round worm  Tape Worm  Rickettsia  Typhus  Scabies

Process of infection…