12.1-12.15
Infections
This week’s chapter covers all topics relative to infections and viral conditions. Pathogens are found throughout the world and are defined as an agent that is disease causing. For a pathogen to enter a human (host), this person must have a compromised immune system, where it is weak and a disease can enter the body. The human body has many defenses to protect itself; skin, blood, stomach, etc. The skin is a physical barrier against pathogens and the glands that it is comprised of control growth of bacteria. The blood contains macrophages that kill pathogens and contains cells that are made to destroy foreign cells. The stomach holds acids that give protection against pathogens.
Risks
There are risks one can and can not control when it comes to coming into contact with diseases. Some a person can control are by being vigilant of stress levels, adequate nutrition, exercise, sleep, personal hygiene, etc. Taking into consideration of some of these factors listed, a person will have a better likelihood of having a strong immune system. Some factors though one can not control are age, hereditary genes, environments, and aggressive pathogens. Being mindful when it comes to a person’s immune system is a great part of disease prevention.
Immune System
Pathogens and antigens go hand in hand when it comes to causing diseases in the human body. Antigens are foreign substances that can cause illnesses, and can be either a virus, bacteria, fungus, parasite, toxin, tissue, or a cell from another being. When an antigen enters our defense mechanisms, our body produces antibodies which are matched specifically those antigens. The body then goes through a routine where an antigen is recognized by the body as a threat, which is called a humoral immune response, where cells (helper T) recognize the antigens and trigger killer T cells and B cells. The killer T cells attack the infected cells and then B cells produce antibodies to attach to those antigens, which are marked to be killed by macrophages (cell-eating white blood cells). Lastly, when the body recognizes the threat is no longer apparent, the suppressor T cells relay to B cells, macrophages, and killer T cells to stop activity. The body then has B and T cells that catalogue this antigen, so the next time the immune response will be even stronger.
Vaccines
Vaccines are based on the principle of immune responses to specific pathogens, by exposing humans to less dangerous versions of them. This boosts immune responses, for when a person does come in contact with the specific disease the vaccination is for. This type of immunity is called artificially acquired active immunity versus how a person naturally builds immunity towards diseases.
Bacterial Infections
There are six major types of pathogens which are bacteria, viruses, fungi, protozoans, parasitic worms, and prions. Bacteria are single celled organisms; some bacteria are good for us and some are disease causing. Diseases that are caused by bacteria are usually treated with antibiotics. The major bacterial diseases are staphylococcal infections (MRSA), streptococcal infections (strep throat), meningitis (inflammation of membranes surrounding the brain/spine),pneumonia(inflammation of the lungs), tuberculosis, and a variety of tick-borne illnesses.
Viral Infections
Viruses are the smallest pathogens existing, and infect an organism by invading a cell and producing their DNA and RNA into it; making copies of the infected cell. Viruses are difficult to diagnose, by many people being asymptomatic. Incubation periods ( length of time to produce symptoms), can also make it difficult as well. Viral infections consist of the common cold, influenza, mononucleosis, hepatitis, herpes, mumps, measles, and rubella. To reduce risks of these infections, vaccinations are key and ultimately imperative for prevention. As for the less severe viruses, such as the cold and flu, the body’s defenses flare up by creating a fever to kill off some of the disease causing agents.
Pathogens: Other forms
Fungi is a multicellular or unicellular organism that feeds off of other organisms. The most common fungi diseases are candidiasis (yeast infection), ringworm, jock itch, and toe nail fungus. Generally these types of diseases are transmitted by touch, for example not wearing shoes in a public shower. Treatments of this type consist of over the counter medications and keeping the area that’s affected clean. A more rare type of fungi disease is known as valley fever (Coccidiodomycosis), which cause head aches and fevers. Protozoans are single celled organisms that can cause the African sleeping sickness and Malaria. More common protozoan influenced sicknesses are trichomoniasis and giardiasis. Parasitic worms can cause illness by ingesting foods that contain these worms, such as raw fish or uncooked foods. Prions are a protein that can affect humans and animals. An example of this would be “mad cow disease”. The symptoms include tremors, memory loss, and can lead to dementia. There are also other form of diseases that are becoming more prevalent by over population, poverty, and unsatisfactory health care. The West Nile virus, Avian flu, Escherichia coli, Ebola, and Malaria.
Antibiotics
Antibiotics kill bacteria that are vulnerable to them. Although for the most part antibiotics work, they are now becoming a lot more resistant. “Super bugs” are defined as mutations of a bacteria that have grown accustomed to the antibiotics and are no longer affected by them. To prevent this from becoming the norm, only take antibiotics when needed and finish the entire perscription as prescribed. Also try and use regular soap instead of antibacterial, which not only kills bacteria but also destroys bacteria that’s normally found on the human body. Overusing antibacterial products can also be common misconception, because it does kill off bacteria but it may be attributing to antibiotic resistance as well.
Sexually Transmitted Diseases
These infections are transmitted via intercourse; genital-oral contact, anal sex, vaginal sex, and mouth-mouth contact. Most serious STI’s can cause sterility, blindness, damage to the nervous system, and can even be fatal. To reduce contracting STI’s, be mindful of a sexual partner’s history is strongly advised, avoiding casual sex, getting vaccinated, and using protection can all be preventative measures.
HIV/AIDS
The human immunodeficiency virus(HIV) is a virus that causes AIDS, and is a global threat. Transmission of this disease can be by the exchange of body fluids and injection of drugs. There is also transmission from mother to fetus. It can be years before symptoms are seen from this virus, because usually the virus can lay dormant for 8-10 yrs. There are many tests to conclude if one has the virus, by taking an antibody test, antigen/antibody test, NAT test, and a HIV p24 antigen test. Treatments for this virus are usually by drugs that prevent the virus from replicating even further. There is no vaccine as of now for HIV.
Other STI’s
The most common STI’s are chlamydia and gonorrhea. Some complications include epididymitis(inflammation), pelvic inflammatory disease(PID), and discharge. There are also syphilis, herpes, HPV, genital warts, candidiasis(yeast infection), trichomoniasis, and pubic lice.
Reflection
As for this weeks reflection, I did pretty well with attending at least two yoga sessions and going to the gym a couple times. I have started to take a multivitamin, since my doctor recommended that I should. I’m not sure how affective it will be, since reading that vitamins aren’t FDA approved yet. I did however, dropped 5lbs so I must be eating foods that are more nutritional versus the latter! This chapter has made me realize how much I didn’t know about the different STI’s that are out there. I’m going to become more mindful when it comes to taking care of myself when it comes to check ups and making sure I receive proper testing. This chapter definitely contained valuable information, that I believe a lot more people should be aware of.
References
Donatelle, R. J. (2019). My health. New York: Pearson.
Kim's Health Journey 