8C Controlling Pathogen Spread

Mode of Disease transmission

Contamination
Airborne
Vector
Exchange
Direct

How does a pathogen survive

In order for pathogens to continue their life cycle and ensure their survival, they need to move from one host to another in a process known as transmission.

Identifying pathogens

Physical/Phenotypic
Immunological
Genetic

Physical/Phenotypic

Visualizing pathogen using microscope
Use different cultures/growth media to selectively grow pathogens
Use different strains to identify features

Immunological

Serological testing - detect presence of specific antibodies in the blood EUSA

Antigen testing - detect presence of specific pathogens from antigen in body fluids

Genetic

DNA hybridization techniques - PCR to test specific pathogen genetic material

Pathogen whole genome sequencing

Controlling Disease Transmission

V - Vaccination
I - Isolation
S - Surveillance
I - Identify pathogen
T - Treat infected

CP - Control mode/Prevent

1 Prevention

Improve hygiene and sanitation
Sterilization
Use Personal protective equipment (PPE)

2 Surveillance

Water waste testing
Monitoring medication sales
Pre-emptive testing

3 Isolation

Quarantine

4 Identify pathogen

PIG

5 Control mode of transmission

Eg: Eliminate Vector - use mosquito nets, Exchange - safe sex

6 Treat infected

Reduce occurrence of disease

7 Vaccination

Prevent re-emergence
Herd Immunity

Treatments

fungicide
antibiotic
antiviral

fungicide

substance that kills fungi or inhibits their growth

antibiotic

A chemical that kills bacteria or slows their growth without harming body cells. BACTERIA ONLY

antiviral

drug used to treat viral infections HIGH SPECIFIC