Disease and Monoclonal Antibodies and Antibiotics

What is the causative agent of AIDS?

HIV (Human Immunodeficiency Virus)

What is the effect of AIDS?

Infects lymphocytes leading to lack of immunity to other infections

What is the treatment of AIDS?

Antiviral drugs taken for life.

How can you prevent the spread of AIDS?

Spread by blood to blood contact - Use disposable gloves. Sexually transmitted, use condoms to prevent spread.

What is the causative agent of Chlamydia?

Chlamydia Trachmatis (bacteria)

What is the effect of Chlamydia?

Causes infertility in adults, conjunctivitis and lung problems in babies

What is the treatment for Chlamydia?

Antibiotics like tetracycline/ erythromycin.

How do we prevent the spread of Chlamydia?

Sexually transmitted, use condoms to prevent spread.

What is the causative agent of Malaria?

Plasmodium (Protist)

What is the effect of Malaria?

Destroys red blood cells causing fever

What is the treatment of Malaria?

Antimalarial drugs paludrine or daraprim to kill the plasmodium.

How to you prevent the spread of Malaria?

Prevent the mosquitos biting and infecting people by:

1. killing mosquitoes with insecticide

2. releasing large numbers of infertile male mosquitoes

3. biological control of mosquitoes

4. use of mosquito nets and repellents.

How are monoclonal antibodies made?

1. The antigen that will stimulate the specific antibody production is injected into a mouse.

2. The mouse’s immune system (B-lymphocytes) begins to produce antibodies specific to the antigen.

3. One of these antibody producing B-lymphocytes is fused with a tumour cell forming a hybridoma.

4. The hybridoma divides repeatedly producing many clones which all produce the same antibodies (monoclonal antibodies).

5. These Monoclonal antibodies (MAb) can then be isolated and used for many things.

Name 4 medical uses of monoclonal antibodies?

1. Immunoassays

2. Tissue Typing

3. Treating cancers with chemotherapy

4. Monitoring the spread of malaria

Who discovered Penicilin?

Alexander Fleming

How was Penicillin made?

It was made by a Fungus.

What does Antibiotics like penicillin do?

They destroy bacteria or stop their growth

What does antibiotics only work on?

Bacteria and Fungi (they do not kill viruses)

How can we prevent the spread of MRSA?

Good hygiene like hand washing, alcohol gels, effective cleaning of hospital wards etc.

How may have MRSA been developed?

From the over-use of antibiotics