Communicable Diseases | Zoology Optional Notes for UPSC PDF Download

Types and symptoms

Salmonella and Escherichia coli

Nontyphoidal Salmonella and Escherichia coli (E. coli) are two different types of bacteria that can infect the digestive system. Another form of salmonella, Salmonella typhi, can also cause typhoid.

They typically spread through contaminated foods, such as uncooked meats and eggs, unwashed fruits and vegetables, and contaminated water sources.

Salmonella can also spread through contact with live animals, including chickens, and through person-to-person contact.

Some symptoms of these infections include:

• abdominal cramps
• diarrhea
• fever
• headache

Tuberculosis

Tuberculosis (TB) is a bacterial infection that primarily attacks the lungs. It may cause the following symptoms:

• a cough continuing for more than 3 weeks
• loss of appetite
• unintentional weight loss
• fever
• chills
• night sweats

A person can catch TB by inhaling tiny droplets or “aerosols” from the cough or sneeze of a person who has the infection.

Ringworm

Ringworm is a common fungal infection of the skin. The characteristic symptom of ringworm is a ring-shaped rash. It may be dry, scaly, or itchy.

People may contract ringworm through:

• close contact with a person who has ringworm
• sharing towels, bedding, or other personal items with a person who has ringworm
• close contact with animals with ringworm, typically cats

Without treatment, ringworm may spread to other parts of the body.

Athlete’s foot

Athlete’s foot is a common fungal infection that affects the skin on the feet. It typically causes sore or itchy white patches between the toes.

People can contract athlete’s foot through direct contact with someone who has the fungus or surfaces that have been in contact with the fungus. For example, an individual might contract athlete’s foot after walking barefoot in locker rooms, showers, or swimming pools.

Plasmodium

The protozoa Plasmodium genus causes the tropical disease malaria. The parasite primarily transmitsTrusted Source through mosquito bites.

Malaria causes symptoms such as:

• fever and chills
• headaches
• vomiting
• diarrhea
• muscle pains

Without proper treatment, malaria can be life threatening. Vaccination programs are also effectively protecting people from malaria fatalities.

Lyme disease

Lyme disease is a potentially serious infection that black-legged ticks can pass to humans. It is the most commonTrusted Source carrier-spread disease in the United States.

The bacteria Borrelia burgdorferi causes the majority of Lyme disease cases. However, the bacteria Borrelia mayonii may also cause the disease.

Symptoms of Lym disease include:

• headache
• fatigue
• fever
• skin rash

Lyme disease can spread to the joints, heart, and nervous system if a person does not treat it.

• direct contact with a person carrying the pathogen
• contact with bodily fluids containing pathogens
• inhaling pathogen-containing droplets from another person’s cough or sneeze
• receiving a bite from an animal or insect carrying the pathogen
• consuming contaminated water or foods

• washing their hands thoroughly and regularly
• disinfecting surfaces at home often, especially doorknobs and food areas
• disinfecting personal items such as phones
• cooking meats, eggs, and other foods thoroughly
• practicing good hygiene when preparing and handling food
• avoiding eating spoiled food
• avoiding touching wild animals
• receiving available vaccinations
• taking antimalarial medications when traveling where there is a malaria risk
• check for ticks and other parasites

Treatment for communicable diseases

Some communicable diseases cause only mild symptoms that disappear without treatment. Others may cause severe symptoms or potentially life threatening complications.

Patients require different treatment depending on disease process and clinical presentation.

Viral infections

Vaccines are a highly effective method for preventing specific viral infections. There are several different types of vaccines.

When a person receives a vaccine, they are receiving a form of the virus. The immune system responds by producing antibodies capable of killing an active form of the virus in the future.

If a person already has a virus, they may require antiviral medications to keep the virus under control.

Bacterial infections

Bacterial infections can range from mild to life threatening. A person who has a bacterial infection may require a course of antibiotics to help control the infection. These medications can help to kill bacteria or slow them down so the immune system can counteract them.

However, many bacteria are developing a resistance to antibiotics, which poses a major health risk. More than 2.8 millionTrusted Source antibiotic-resistant infections occur in the U.S. every year.

A person should only ever take antibiotics on a medical recommendation.

Fungal infections

A severe or chronic fungal infection may require prescription antifungal medications and, in rare cases, intravenous medication.

However, people can treat many mild infections, such as ringworm and athlete’s foot, with over-the-counter topical ointments.

Many communicable diseases cause mild symptoms that go away without treatment. Others require treatment to prevent them from becoming more serious.

There are steps a person can take to reduce their risk of contracting and transmitting disease-causing pathogens. These include receiving available vaccinations, practicing regular handwashing, and maintaining good hygiene at home.