HLTB21H3 Lecture Notes - Pneumonic Plague, Plague Of Justinian, Septicemic Plague
Document Summary
Parasites: organism that grows, feeds, and is sheltered on or in a different organism and that does not contribute to the survival of its host. Virus: ultimate micro-parasite- smaller than bacteria; neither cells nor organisms; can only reproduce within their host. Macro-parasites: composed of many cells; cycles through transmission stages (eggs and larvae) which pass into the external environment. Transmission: movement of a parasite from one host to another. Incubation period: interval of time required for development of a disease. Latent period: seemingly inactive period between exposure to an infection and subsequent illness. Parasite virulence: capacity of a parasite to cause disease. Zoonotic infections: animal infections that can be transmitted to humans. What are the main factors that influence the occurrence of a disease: host. Biological, physical, chemical, psychosocial, rate of growth, persistence. Indirect: through a common route/vector, e. g. contaminated air/water, mosquito. Ingestion: through the mouth, e. g. e. coli in water. Broad spectrum if disease severity- iceberg concept.
