The Cause of Infectious Disease

Dr. Solis

The Cause of Infectious Disease

Disease – a term that can be used to describe any condition that negatively affects the normal functioning of the mind or body.

In a way, infirmities and illness are reminders of the weakness of the human body.

The Bible tells us that God is a God that can heal (Exodus 15:26)

Something to think about “Ring around the rosy, a pocket full of posies, Ashes Ashes, we all fall down”

-- This children’s rhyme was originally sung during the Middle Ages in Europe during the ‘black death’ or bubonic plague.

Ashes, Ashes used to be read Achoo Achoo (because of the sneezing symptoms of a person with the plague)

Later it was switched to Ashes Ashes because they would burn the bodies to prevent the spread of the illness

In the old days, people did not know what caused illness, or even how to treat them.

Types of Pathogens In the 1800s Louis Pasteur

founded the idea that germs cause disease

This became known as Germ Theory

He began ‘Pasteurizing’ milk – which is what all people in developing nations drink today.

Types of PathogensInfectious Diseases – all

diseases caused by the spread of Germs (also known as communicable diseases)

These can be passed on from one person to another

Pathogens – microorganisms that cause disease: bacteria, viruses, fungi, and tiny animals (parasites) are pathogens

BacteriaBacteria

One celled, tiny organisms that come in many shapes:

Rod like (bacillus) Round (coccus) Spiral (Spirochete) Bacteria grow everywhere Not all bacteria are harmful – some

bacteria is produced by your body to break down food – these are called resident bacteria

Bacteria

Bacteria: Living organisms

They need food, and they produce waste

That waste is poison to the body

Bacterial diseases include: Cholera Pneumonia Tuberculosis Certain venereal diseases

(gonorrhea) Strep infection Staph infection Botulism

Viruses Viruses: responsible for more infections than any other pathogen

Smaller than bacteria, invades a cell and begins to damage it.

The virus multiplies within a cell and damages it so it cannot function and dies

Your body develops symptoms to let you know it is fighting an intruder

Your body works overtime and becomes tired and rundown.

Listen to your body

You need good nutrition and rest.

Viruses Types of Viruses

Polio

Mumps

Measles

Chicken pox

Smallpox

Rabies

Hepatitis

Herpes

AIDS

EBOLA

FUNGIFungi: organisms that usually cause

diseases of the skin such as ringworm and athletes foot

Fungi can penetrate the deeper tissues of the skin and cause symptoms similar to a virus

Fungi can also enter the body through the air

Tiny AnimalsAMOEBA – one celled organisms

that penetrate the human body and cause problems in the lining of the membranes of the intestines

A person who is carrying an amoeba pathogen may not know it but may still infect others

For example, people who handle food in restaurants may unintentionally infect customers.

Tiny AnimalsParasites – infectious animal

If a person carries too many parasites in the body, it can interfere with the individuals ability to digest food and absorb nutrients.

Round worm

Tape Worm

Rickettsia

Typhus

Scabies

Process of infection…