VILLARAMA, Christian Michael A.

ESE150-2 / A73

HW#2 – PUBLIC HEALTH DISEASE

1. Enumerate and discuss at least 5 diseases caused by bacteria

Syphilis
Syphilis is a bacterial infection spread through sexual contact. It affects both
men and women and infects the vaginal region, the lips, the mouth, or the anus. It
is often obtained through sexual intercourse with someone who carries it. It can
also be passed from mother to baby during pregnancy.

Chlamydia

Chlamydia is a sexually transmitted infection caused by the bacterium

Chlamydia trachomatis. Chlamydia can cause cervicitis in women and urethritis
and proctitis in men and women alike. It is an intracellular bacteria that must be
cultured in mammalian cells. It cannot be cultivated in a traditional bacteriological
media but can be grown in an in vitro model within a host cell.

Tuberculosis

Tuberculosis is a bacterial infection caused by Mycobacterium tuberculosis

(Mtb). Tuberculosis may spread through the air from an active tuberculosis patient
to individuals in close contact as shown in Figure 1. Typically, it affects the lungs.
Although the bacteria proliferate in the lungs, they can also enter the bloodstream
and cause TB in other body regions. It is one of the top ten causes of mortality
worldwide and the single leading cause of death among children under 15.
 Figure 1. Tuberculosis

Gonorrhea

Gonorrhea is a highly contagious sexually transmitted illness. Neisseria

gonorrhoeae is a kind of bacterium that causes gonorrhea. Infection with
gonorrhea thereby raises the likelihood of contracting HIV (human
immunodeficiency virus, which causes AIDS). When gonorrhea affects males, it
first infects the urethral epithelium column. Gonorrhea is spread to the vagina of
women through sexual contact since the cervix in women is thought to be the most
vulnerable region to gonorrhea transmission from male sex organs. Thus,
gonorrhea can only be transmitted through sexual contact.

Tetanus

Tetanus is a disease caused by the Clostridium bacterium. This bacterium

behaves like a poison, attacking the nervous system and causing death if not
treated quickly. This toxin produces severe muscular tightness throughout the
body and a locked jaw, making it impossible to open your mouth or swallow.
2. Enumerate and discuss at least 5 diseases caused by virus

Ebola

The Ebola Virus Disease affects humans and other primates. Symptoms of
the condition appear two to three weeks after getting the virus. Fever, hemorrhage,
edema, low blood pressure, muscular discomfort, headache, vomiting, and
diarrhea are symptoms (Figure 2). The RNA virus family filoviridae cause Ebola
hemorrhagic illness. Direct contact with blood or other bodily fluids spreads Ebola.
Although Ebola cannot be treated, symptoms can be alleviated via supportive care,
oxygen treatment, and fluids.

Figure 2. Symptoms of Ebola

Influenza

Influenza is a severe respiratory infection that can be debilitating and result

in complications that lead to hospitalization and death, particularly in the elderly.
The influenza virus is classified into three types: influenza A, B, and C. The
influenza B and C viruses are only connected with sporadic sickness and are never
the source of pandemic influenza. Most seasonal influenza and all known
pandemics are caused by influenza A.
Chicken Pox

The varicella-zoster virus causes chicken pox, a viral illness. It is common

in youngsters and creates an itchy rash with fluid blisters all over the body. Fever,
headache, and loss of appetite are some symptoms (Figure 3). It is characterized
by an itchy rash with tiny, fluid-filled blisters. The painful blister rash produced by
chickenpox infection occurs 10 to 21 days after virus contact and typically lasts 5
to 10 days. People who have never experienced chicken pox or been immunized
against it are highly contagious.

Figure 3. Chicken pox vs. measles

Measles

The measles virus is highly contagious; it is believed that 90% of

nonimmunized persons who are exposed will contract the disease. It is caused by
the Paramyxoviridae virus (genus Morbillivirus), which is one of the most common
and can survive on fomites for up to 2 hours. The temperature is often high (39–
40.5°C) on the fourth day of incubation. The rash begins on the face and spreads
down the body, lasting 3 to 7 days and vanishing in the same direction as it appears
in the pattern. It begins as a sequence of discrete red macules that gradually
coalesce.
 AIDS/HIV

The human immunodeficiency virus causes acquired immunodeficiency

syndrome (AIDS), a chronic, sometimes fatal illness (HIV). HIV impairs your body's
capacity to fight infection and disease by destroying your immune system.

HIV is a sexually transmitted disease (STI). It can also be passed from

mother to child during pregnancy, childbirth, or breastfeeding through contact with
infected blood. Without treatment, it might take years for HIV to damage your
immune system to the point where you get AIDS.

There is no cure for HIV/AIDS; however, drugs can significantly delay the
disease's course. In many wealthy countries, these medications have lowered
AIDS fatalities.

3. Enumerate and discuss at least 5 diseases caused by helminths

Soil-transmitted helminthiasis

Helminths, also known as Soil Transmitted Helminths (STH) or intestinal

parasites, are the most frequent illnesses globally, affecting the poorest and most
vulnerable communities. Ascaris lumbricoides, Trichuris trichiura, and hookworms
are the causal agents. It is the most prevalent parasite illness in the Philippines,
especially among school-aged children (grade 2-6 children).

Figure 4. Soil-transmitted helminthiasis

Lymphatic filariasis

It commonly known as elephantiasis, is a neglected tropical disease.

Infection occurs when filarial parasites infect humans via mosquitoes. It is typically
acquired in childhood, producing concealed lymphatic system damage. This
disease affects the lymphatic system and can result in abnormal growth of bodily
parts as shown in the figure below, causing discomfort, severe disability, and social
stigma. Lymphatic disease affects 893 million individuals in 49 countries
worldwide.

Figure 5. Lymphatic filariasis (Elephantiasis)

Onchocerciasis

Onchocerciasis is a nematode infection caused by Onchocerca volvulus.

Onchocerciasis is transmitted to humans by the biting of Simulium blackflies
(Figure 6). Onchocerciasis is typically seen around rivers and is sometimes
referred to as river blindness since the fly grows and breeds in moving water. The
infection may merely produce acute itching, but it can also cause a rash, enlarged
lymph nodes, reduced eyesight, or total blindness. If onchocerciasis develops
symptoms, a single dosage of ivermectin is given once every 6 to 12 months until
the symptoms disappear.
 Figure 6. Simulium fly (black fly).

Schistosomiasis

Schistosomiasis is a parasitic infection caused by blood piercings

(roundworms) of the genus Schistosomiasis. In 2018, it is predicted that at least
229 million individuals will require preventative care. Preventive care, which should
be performed over time, will minimize and prevent illness. Schistosomiasis
transmission has been recorded in 78 countries. However, preventative
schistosomiasis chemotherapy, in which persons and communities are targeted
for large-scale treatment, is only necessary for 52 endemic countries with
moderate to high transmission.

Paragonimus

Paragonimus is a lung fluke (flatworm) that infects people's lungs if they

consume an infected raw or undercooked crab or crayfish. When the parasite
enters the central nervous system, it causes less common but more dangerous
instances of paragonimiasis. Although uncommon, paragonimiasis has been
documented in the United States, including many instances in the Midwest. A
physician can provide successful therapy for paragonimiasis once the diagnosis
has been made.
4. Enumerate and discuss at least 5 diseases caused by protozoa

Malaria

Malaria is a blood infection caused by parasites that infect red blood cells
and are spread by mosquitos (Figure 7). Malaria is classified into two categories.
The most dangerous form of malaria is falciparum malaria, which can be fatal.
Because of persistent parasites in the liver, Vivax malaria can recur for months to
years after an infected individual has left a malarious location.

Figure 7. Malaria

Amoebiasis

Amoebiasis is an infection of the small intestine caused by the protozoan

Entamoeba histolytica. Amoebic dysentery is the medical term for it. This is mainly
transmitted by eating amoebic cyst-contaminated water or food. Amoebic
abscesses can occur in the liver, lungs, brain, and other body parts.

Amoebae are parasitic organisms that can be discovered in contaminated

food or drink. When infected food or drink is consumed, they enter the body
through the mouth. The amoebae can then migrate through the digestive system,
settle in the gut, and cause illnesses such as amoebiasis.

Cryptosporidiosis

Cryptosporidiosis is a diarrheal disease caused by Cryptosporidium, a tiny

parasite that may dwell in the intestines of humans and animals and is transmitted
in and spread by an infected person's or animal's feces. Although infection with
this parasite results typically in mild or no symptoms in healthy persons, people
with significantly impaired immune systems may develop deadly illness.

Toxoplasmosis

Toxoplasmosis is an infection caused by a tiny parasite called Toxoplasma

Gondii, and it is estimated that more than 60 million individuals in the United States
are infected. This can be contracted through everyday activities such as eating
and drinking. (Eating raw or partially raw food contaminated with Toxoplasma as
shown in Figure 8, such as pig, lamb, or any wild game). Toxoplasmosis can also
be spread by contact with cat litter that contains cat feces (This is why pregnant
women should not change litters.)

Figure 8. Toxoplasmasis
 Chagas disease (aka American Trypanosomiasis)

Chagas disease is caused by the parasite Trypanosoma cruzi, which is

exclusively present in the Americas and is transferred to animals and humans
through insect vectors (mainly in rural areas of Latin America where poverty is
widespread). Chagas disease (infection with T. cruzi) is also known as American
trypanosomiasis. Chagas disease's effect is not restricted to rural parts of Latin
America where vector-borne transmission (diseases spread by insects) occurs.
Large-scale population shifts from rural to urban areas in Latin America and other
parts of the world have increased the geographic range of Chagas disease and
altered its epidemiology.

5. Compare: water-borne, water-washed, water-based, and water-related

diseases

A considerable section of the population in developing nations relies on

untreated water for drinking. Every year, around 30 million people worldwide die
due to sanitation issues. According to studies, boosting water supply and sanitation
quality drastically decreases death rates. The most prevalent water-borne
infections are typhoid, cholera, and malaria. They are responsible for the majority
of fatalities worldwide. Water-related diseases are classified into four kinds, which
are listed below.

Water-borne

Water-borne diseases are caused by ingesting water polluted with harmful

bacteria from human or animal waste. Cholera, typhoid, amoebic and bacillary
dysentery, and other diarrheal disorders are among them.

Most water-borne diseases afflict youngsters due to inadequate cleanliness

and weakened immunity. Many of these illnesses are fatal. With the advent of
globalization over the last several decades, awareness of the many sorts of water-
borne illnesses has risen to the fore. Several previously undiscovered pathogenic
bacteria have been the subject of substantial study in this field.
Water-washed

Water-washed diseases kill 3.4 million people each year, making them one
of the significant causes of mortality worldwide. The bulk of victims of water
contamination is children (approximately 2.2 million), who suffer from ailments
caused by organisms that thrive in polluted water supplies.

This disease is caused by inadequate personal hygiene and skin and eyes
contact with polluted water. Among them are scabies, trachoma, typhus, and other
flea, lice, and tick-borne infections.

Water-based

Water-based diseases are produced by pathogenic microbes, which are

directly transferred when polluted fresh water is drunk. Contaminated fresh water
used in food preparation might cause foodborne illness by eating the same
bacteria. The World Health Organization estimates that diarrheal illness accounts
for 4.1 percent of the total DALY (diability-adjusted life year) global burden of
disease and kills 1.8 million people per year. It is believed that 88 percent of the
load is linked to hazardous water supply, sanitation, and hygiene and that it is
mostly concentrated in developing-country children. Protozoa, viruses, and
bacteria, many of which are intestinal parasites, can cause these illness.

Water-related

Water-borne illnesses are caused by insect vectors, particularly

mosquitoes, that nest or feed near polluted water. They are not usually linked to a
lack of access to safe drinking water or sanitation services. Dengue, filariasis,
malaria, onchocerciasis, trypanosomiasis, and yellow fever are illnesses in this
category.
6. Compare: sporadic, endemic, epidemic, and pandemic. Site examples

The outbreak of an infectious agent can be described according to how prevalent

the disease is within a population (Figure 9).

Figure 9. Characterizing an infectious disease outbreak

Different levels of disease incidence show the prevalence (endemicity) of a

disease in a community. The severity of the epidemic determines how it is
examined according to Figure 10.

Figure 10. Levels of Disease Occurence

Sporadic
A sporadic illness strikes a population sporadically and irregularly. The
Middle East respiratory syndrome coronavirus (MERS-CoV), for example, is a viral
respiratory illness. It happens occasionally and is typically linked to travel or
intimate contact with camels. Seasons, events, and other contextual variables
cause case numbers to rise and decline.
Other examples of sporadic disease in the United States are Botulism,
cholera, gas gangrene, plague, tetanus, and typhoid. A random sickness might
represent the beginning of an epidemic if the conditions are appropriate for its
development.

Endemic

The definition of endemic is "the persistent presence and/or typical

predominance of a disease or infectious agent in a population within a geographic
area." Using MERS-CoV as an example, let us suppose cases are increasingly
common and are no longer limited to travel or encounters with camels. Over a
quarterly or annual period, a country will anticipate seeing a specific number of
instances that fit within an expected range.

Tuberculosis (TB), sexually transmitted illnesses (STDs) such as gonorrhea

and syphilis, and viral infections such as the common cold and influenza are all
endemic in the United States.

Epidemic

The epidemic is defined as an increase, which is often sudden, in the

number of cases of a disease above what is normally expected in that population
in that area. An epidemic is often broader and more sustained than an outbreak.
For instance, a MERS-CoV epidemic would occur if the number of cases grew
significantly over time, spreading to a more significant number of persons in a
community (and, in some cases, to other countries).

The common source epidemic is characterized by many people becoming

infected from the same source all at once. It is frequently attributable to a tainted
water source or inadequately cooked or managed food. People who consume
infected chicken salad at a college cafeteria are another example. Everyone who
finishes the chicken salad will get diseased and sick on this specific day. However,
when the source of infection is eliminated, the epidemic will fade quickly.

Pandemic

A pandemic is defined as a worldwide epidemic that spreads across many

nations or continents, frequently impacting many people. If MERS-CoV cases
increased exponentially and spread across continents, this epidemic may be called
a pandemic. It is vital to highlight that WHO is the only agency with the power to
declare a real pandemic.

Another example of pandemic is the1918 Spanish. It was the most lethal of

the twentieth century. More than 20 million people died as a result of the outbreak,
including 500,000 in the United States. Almost every country on the planet was
affected.
References:

BioExplorer. (2021, June 12). Top 12 Diseases Caused By Protozoa.

https://www.bioexplorer.net/diseases-caused-by-protozoa.html
DreamCivil. 4 Types of Water Related Diseases: Water Borne, Water based,
Water Vector & Water Washed. https://dreamcivil.com/water-related-
diseases/
Healthgrades. Viral Diseases: Symptoms, Types, Methods of Transmission.
Retrieved from https://www.healthgrades.com/right-care/infections-and-
contagious-diseases/viral-diseases
Hedley, L. & Wani, R. L. S. (2015, October 20). Helminth infections: diagnosis
and treatment. Pharmaceutical Journal. Retrieved from
https://pharmaceutical-journal.com/article/ld/helminth-infections-diagnosis-
and-treatment
Public Health, Columbia. (2021, February 19). Epidemic, Endemic, Pandemic:
What are the Differences? Retrieved from
https://www.publichealth.columbia.edu/public-health-now/news/epidemic-
endemic-pandemic-what-are-differences
Pysiopedia. Bacterial Infections. Retrieved from https://www.physio-
pedia.com/Bacterial_Infection
Riley, L. W. (2019, July 4). Differentiating Epidemic from Endemic or Sporadic
Infectious Disease Occurrence. Microbiol Spectr. doi:
10.1128/microbiolspec.AME-0007-2019. PMID: 31325286.