Imfection and Response PT2

What is a pathogen?

A microorganism that causes disease

Name the four main types of pathogens.

Bacteria, viruses, fungi, and protists

How are pathogens spread?

Through direct contact, water, air (droplet infection), or vectors

How do bacteria cause disease?

By producing toxins that damage tissues

How do viruses cause disease?

By invading cells and reproducing inside them, causing cell damage

What is a vector?

An organism that carries and transmits a pathogen without being affected

What are the body's primary physical defenses against pathogens?

Skin, mucus in the respiratory system, and stomach acid

How do white blood cells defend against pathogens?

By engulfing them (phagocytosis), producing antibodies, and releasing antitoxins

What is the role of antibodies?

They bind to specific antigens on pathogens to neutralize them

What is an antigen?

A protein on the surface of a pathogen that triggers an immune response

How does vaccination protect against disease?

By introducing a dead or weakened pathogen to stimulate antibody production

What is herd immunity?

When a large portion of a population is immune, reducing the spread of disease

Why don't antibiotics work on viruses?

Because viruses reproduce inside host cells, making them inaccessible to antibiotics

What is antibiotic resistance?

When bacteria mutate and survive antibiotic treatment, leading to resistant strains

How can we prevent antibiotic resistance?

By not overusing antibiotics and completing prescribed courses

What is the difference between painkillers and antibiotics?

Painkillers relieve symptoms; antibiotics kill bacterial pathogens

How are new drugs tested?

Through preclinical testing on cells and animals, followed by clinical trials on humans

What is a double-blind trial?

An experiment where neither the doctor nor the patient knows who receives the actual drug

What is a placebo?

A substance with no therapeutic effect used as a control in testing new drugs

What are monoclonal antibodies?

Identical antibodies produced from a single clone of cells, targeting specific antigens

How are monoclonal antibodies produced?

By fusing a mouse B-lymphocyte with a tumor cell to create a hybridoma

List some uses of monoclonal antibodies.

Pregnancy tests, cancer treatment, and detecting specific substances in labs

What is a communicable disease?

A disease that can be transmitted from one person to another

Give an example of a viral disease.

Measles

Give an example of a bacterial disease.

Salmonella

Give an example of a fungal disease.

Rose black spot

Give an example of a protist disease.

Malaria

How can plant diseases be detected?

By observing symptoms, using testing kits, or laboratory analysis

What are plant physical defenses against pathogens?

Cell walls, waxy cuticles, and bark

What are plant chemical defenses?

Production of antibacterial chemicals and poisons to deter herbivores

What is the role of the immune system?

To detect and destroy pathogens that enter the body

How does the skin act as a barrier to infection?

By providing a physical barrier and producing antimicrobial secretions

What is the function of cilia in the respiratory system?

To move mucus and trapped pathogens out of the lungs

How does stomach acid protect against pathogens?

By killing bacteria and other pathogens ingested with food

What is phagocytosis?

The process by which white blood cells engulf and digest pathogens

What are antitoxins?

Substances produced by white blood cells to neutralize toxins released by pathogens

Why is it important to complete a full course of antibiotics?

To ensure all bacteria are killed and prevent the development of resistance

What is the purpose of clinical trials?

To test the safety and effectiveness of new drugs on humans

Why are monoclonal antibodies specific?

Because they bind to only one type of antigen

What is the advantage of using monoclonal antibodies in treatment?

They target specific cells without affecting others

How does the body respond to a second infection by the same pathogen?

Memory cells recognize the pathogen and produce antibodies more rapidly

What is the significance of the placebo effect in drug trials?

It helps determine the actual effectiveness of the new drug

How can the spread of malaria be controlled?

By using mosquito nets and insect repellents, and eliminating standing water

What is the role of vaccination in disease prevention?

To stimulate the immune system to recognize and fight specific pathogens

How do fungi cause disease in plants?

By producing spores that spread and infect other plants

What is the impact of rose black spot on plants?

It reduces photosynthesis by causing leaves to drop prematurely

How is salmonella food poisoning prevented?

By cooking food thoroughly and practicing good hygiene

What are the symptoms of measles?

Fever and a red skin rash

How is HIV transmitted?

Through sexual contact or exchange of bodily fluids

What is AIDS?

The late stage of HIV infection when the immune system is severely damaged

How is tobacco mosaic virus spread in plants?

Through contact with infected plants or contaminated tools

What are the symptoms of tobacco mosaic virus?

Mosaic pattern on leaves, leading to reduced photosynthesis

How can gonorrhea be prevented?

By using condoms and regular screening

What are the symptoms of gonorrhea?

Painful urination and discharge from the genitals

How is rose black spot treated?

By removing affected leaves and using fungicides

What causes malaria?

A protist transmitted by mosquito bites

What are the symptoms of malaria?

Recurrent episodes of fever and chills

How can the spread of salmonella be controlled?

By vaccinating poultry and maintaining food hygiene

What is the role of white blood cells in the immune response?

To identify, attack, and destroy pathogens

How do vaccines contribute to herd immunity?

By reducing the number of susceptible individuals in a population

What is the purpose of preclinical drug testing?

To assess the safety and efficacy of a drug before human trials

How does the body recognize pathogens?

Through antigens on the surface of pathogens

What is the function of memory cells in immunity?

To provide a faster and stronger response upon re-exposure to a pathogen

How can the spread of infectious diseases be reduced?

Through vaccination, hygiene practices, and controlling vectors

What is the difference between a pandemic and an epidemic?

A pandemic is a global outbreak; an epidemic is a regional outbreak

What is the importance of the peer review process in drug development?

To ensure the validity and reliability of research findings

How do antiretroviral drugs help manage HIV?

By inhibiting the replication of the virus in the body

What is the role of the waxy cuticle in plant defense?

To act as a barrier against pathogen entry

How do plant cell walls contribute to defense?

By providing structural support and acting as a barrier to pathogens

What are the benefits of using monoclonal antibodies in diagnostics?

They provide rapid and specific detection of substances

How can overuse of antibiotics in agriculture affect human health?

By contributing to the development of antibiotic-resistant bacteria

What is the significance of antigen-antibody specificity?

It ensures that antibodies target only specific pathogens

How do vaccines lead to the production of memory cells?

By exposing the immune system to antigens without causing disease

What is the role of clinical trials in ensuring drug safety?

To monitor side effects and determine the appropriate dosage

How can public health measures control the spread of disease?

Through vaccination programs, sanitation, and education

What is the impact of antibiotic resistance on healthcare?

It makes bacterial infections harder to treat and increases healthcare costs

How does the immune system distinguish between self and non-self cells?

Through recognition of specific antigens on cell surfaces

What is the function of antitoxins produced by white blood cells?

To neutralize toxins released by pathogens

How can lifestyle choices affect the immune system?

Poor nutrition, lack of sleep, and stress can weaken immune responses

What is the importance of completing vaccination schedules?

To ensure full immunity and prevent disease outbreaks

How do cilia and mucus work together to protect the respiratory system?

Cilia move mucus, trapping pathogens, out of the lungs

What is the role of stomach acid in the digestive system's defense?

It kills ingested pathogens before they can cause harm

How can the spread of plant diseases be minimized?

Through crop rotation, resistant plant varieties, and proper sanitation

What is the significance of early detection in plant disease management?

It allows for timely intervention to prevent widespread infection

How do environmental factors influence the spread of infectious diseases?

Climate, sanitation, and population density can affect transmission rates

What are the challenges in developing vaccines for rapidly mutating viruses?

Frequent mutations can render vaccines less effective over time

How does the body develop immunity after recovering from an infection?

By producing memory cells that recognize the pathogen in future exposures

What is the role of antibodies in neutralizing pathogens?

They bind to antigens, preventing pathogens from infecting cells

How can public awareness campaigns aid in disease prevention?

By educating people on hygiene practices and the importance of vaccination

What is the impact of global travel on the spread of infectious diseases?

It facilitates rapid transmission of diseases across countries and continents

How do healthcare professionals monitor and respond to disease outbreaks?

Through surveillance systems, reporting, and implementing control measures

What is the importance of hygiene in preventing the spread of disease?

Proper hygiene practices reduce the transmission of pathogens

How can individuals contribute to controlling the spread of infectious diseases?

By getting vaccinated, practicing good hygiene, and staying informed