Non-Communicable Respiratory Diseases

Microorganisms

Microorganisms are tiny organisms including: Bacteria, Viruses, Protists, and Fungi.

Do all microorganisms cause problems?

No. Most microorganisms do not cause problems. Only a small group of them do.

Pathogens

Pathogens are microorganisms that can cause disease.

What diseases are caused by pathogens called?

Communicable diseases or infectious diseases.

What can communicable or infectious diseases affect?

Animals and plants.

What are the three main ways pathogens spread?

Through the air; Through contaminated food or water; Through direct contact.

How do airborne pathogens spread?

They are carried in tiny droplets that we expel when we cough or sneeze.

Give two examples of airborne pathogens mentioned in the transcript.

Influenza virus and Measles virus.

What is cholera?

Cholera is a bacterial disease.

How is cholera spread?

By drinking water that has been contaminated by the diarrhoea of somebody already suffering from cholera.

What causes Salmonella?

Salmonella bacteria.

How is Salmonella spread?

By eating contaminated food.

Which food is particularly associated with Salmonella in the transcript?

Chicken.

Which pathogen mentioned in the transcript spreads through direct contact?

Athlete's foot.

What type of infection is athlete's foot?

A fungal infection.

What can athlete's foot do to the skin on your feet?

It can make the skin on your feet flake off.

How is athlete's foot often spread?

By walking barefoot on contaminated surfaces.

Give an example of a contaminated surface mentioned in the transcript.

Public swimming pools.

What is better than treating a disease?

Stopping it from spreading in the first place.

What is one common-sense way to stop diseases spreading?

Being generally hygienic.

When should you wash your hands according to the transcript?

After using the bathroom and before preparing foods.

What cooking items should be cleaned according to the transcript?

Knives and chopping boards.

What is a vector?

An organism that transports a pathogen.

What vector is mentioned in the transcript?

Mosquitoes.

What disease organism do mosquitoes transport?

The malaria protists.

How can vectors be killed?

By using insecticides.

What are insecticides?

Chemicals which kill insects.

What does the transcript say is the best way to prevent a pathogen from spreading?

Vaccinating everybody.

Why does vaccination prevent disease spread?

If people cannot catch the disease in the first place, then they cannot pass it on to anyone.

What can be done if someone catches a disease?

They can be isolated or quarantined.

When do we generally isolate or quarantine people?

When it is a really serious disease that could really harm other people if they get infected.

Influenza – pathogen type and method of spread?

Virus; spread through the air in droplets from coughing and sneezing.

Measles – pathogen type and method of spread?

Virus; spread through the air in droplets from coughing and sneezing.

Cholera – pathogen type and method of spread?

Bacteria; spread through contaminated water.

Salmonella – pathogen type and method of spread?

Bacteria; spread through contaminated food, particularly chicken.

Athlete's foot – pathogen type and method of spread?

Fungus; spread through direct contact with contaminated surfaces.

Malaria – pathogen type and method of spread?

Protist; transported by mosquito vectors.

What are the three ways pathogens can be spread?

Through the air; Through contaminated food or water; Through direct contact.

What four things can be done to reduce pathogen spread?

Be hygienic; Kill the vectors; Vaccinate people; Quarantine people.

What are the four groups of microorganisms mentioned in the transcript?

Bacteria; Viruses; Protists; Fungi.