what are some microorganisms?
pathogens
Describe how pathogens can enter the body
- nose (airborne microorganisms)
- mouth (contaminated food and water)
- skin (insect bites, cuts, infected needles)
- reproductive organs (contact)
Relate different types of microorganisms to the disease they can cause
- cholera and food poisoning, caused by bacteria
- influenza and chickenpox, caused by viruses
- athlete’s foot caused by a fungus.
when can diseases such as cholera and food poisoning be a major problem
after a natural disaster such as earthquakes and eruptingvolcanoes
what can harmful bacteria be controlled by?
antibiotics
if too much antibiotics is taken what can happen to the bacteria?
it can develop a resistance
Explain why natural disasters cause a rapid spread of diseases
• damage to sewage systems and water supplies
• damage to electrical supplies causing rapid food
decay
• displacement of people
• disruption to health services
Describe the stages of an infectious disease
- entry into the body
- rapid growth, the incubation period
- production of many toxins
- appearance of symptoms such as fever
Understand how the transmission of diseases can be prevented, limited to disease transmitted by:
- food - prepared hygienically
- water - organising clean water supplies
- contact - limiting frequency or size of public gatherings
- airborne droplets - covering mouth and nose
Describe how antiseptics and antibiotics are used in the control of disease
antiseptics - chemicals used to kill microorganisms and prevents diseases spreading during surgery or food prep
antibiotics - drugs that kill bacteria. They’re effective in treating diseases caused by bacteria and aren’t against viruses.
what are viruses unaffected by?
antibiotics
Describe the pioneering work of the following
scientists in the treatment of disease
- Pasteur and the germ theory of disease
- Lister and the development of antiseptics
- Fleming and the discovery of penicillin
Explain how some strains of bacteria are developing resistance to antibiotics by natural selection
through natural selection, some strains of bacteria are developing resistance to antibiotics because after a period of time they become more adapted to it, so are able to survive.
Explain the importance of various procedures in the prevention of antibiotic resistance
- doctors only prescribe antibiotics when appropriate or necessary
- the full course of antibiotic is taken, even if symptoms disappear
