Ch10: Diseases and immunity

What is a pathogen?
A pathogen is an organism, such as a virus, bacterium, parasite, or fungus, that can cause
disease in its host. These organisms are capable of invading body tissues, multiplying, and
interfering with normal bodily functions.

What is a transmissible disease?

A transmissible disease is one where the pathogen can be passed from one host to another,
directly or indirectly. The ability of a pathogen to spread among individuals classifies the disease
as infectious or communicable.

Transmission of Pathogens
Pathogens are transmitted in various ways:
● Direct contact: This includes physical contact with an infected person or their bodily
fluids like blood, saliva, or sexual fluids.
● Indirect contact: Transmission occurs through contact with surfaces, food, or air that has
been contaminated by the pathogen, or through vectors like insects and animals.

Body Defenses
The body has multiple defenses to protect against pathogens:
● Skin: Acts as a physical barrier blocking pathogens from entering the body.
● Hairs and mucus in the nose: Trap pathogens and particles from entering the respiratory
system.
● Stomach acid: Destroys pathogens ingested through food or drink.
● White blood cells: Identify and destroy pathogens through various mechanisms.

Importance of Hygiene and Infrastructure in Disease Control:

● Clean water supply: Reduces the risk of waterborne diseases.
● Hygienic food preparation: Prevents food contamination.
● Good personal hygiene: Limits the spread of pathogens.
● Waste disposal: Properly disposing of waste helps reduce habitat for disease vectors.
● Sewage treatment: Reduces the risk of waterborne diseases by treating water before it's
released back into the environment.
Immunity:
Immunity refers to the ability of an organism to resist or fight off infection, disease, or other
unwanted biological invasion. It is typically achieved through the presence of a competent
immune system that can recognize and eliminate pathogens like bacteria, viruses, fungi, and
parasites.

Type of Immunity Description Characteristics Examples

Skin as a barrier,
The body's first line Non-specific,
mucous membranes,
of defense against immediate response,
Innate Immunity phagocytes like
pathogens, present no memory cells
neutrophils, natural
from birth. involved.
killer cells.

Develops after Specific to Production of

Adaptive (Acquired) exposure to specific pathogens, slower to antibodies after
Immunity antigens. Can be develop, involves infection or
active or passive. memory cells. vaccination.

Acquired through
Long-lasting
exposure to a
immunity, the body Recovery from
disease or through
retains a memory of chickenpox,
Active Immunity vaccination. The
the pathogen which COVID-19
body produces its
speeds up future vaccination.
own antibodies and
responses.
memory cells.

Antibodies received
Immediate but
Acquired through the by a baby from the
temporary protection,
transfer of antibodies mother through the
Passive Immunity no memory cells
from another placenta or in breast
produced by the
individual or species. milk, immunoglobulin
recipient.
treatments.

Active Immunity
Active immunity occurs when the body is exposed to a pathogen and responds by producing
antibodies and memory cells. This type of immunity provides long-term protection as the
immune system "remembers" the pathogen. Active immunity can be acquired through natural
infection or through vaccination. Both methods expose the body to the pathogen or its
components, prompting an immune response.
Antigens
Each pathogen has unique molecules called antigens on its surface, which are recognized as
foreign by the immune system. These antigens have specific shapes that trigger an immune
response.

Antibodies
Antibodies are proteins produced by the immune system that bind specifically to antigens. This
binding can neutralize pathogens directly or mark them for destruction by other immune cells
like phagocytes. Antibodies have shapes that are complementary to the shapes of specific
antigens, allowing them to bind precisely and effectively.

Vaccination Process:
1. Introduction of antigens: Weakened pathogens or
their antigens are introduced into the body.
2. Immune response stimulation: The antigens
stimulate lymphocytes to produce antibodies.
3. Memory cell production: Memory cells are formed,
providing long-term immunity.

Role of Vaccination:
Vaccination controls the spread of diseases by inducing
immunity in a large portion of the population, reducing the
overall number of susceptible hosts.

Passive Immunity:
Passive immunity is the direct transfer of antibodies from
one individual to another, providing immediate but
temporary protection. This can occur naturally across the
placenta or through breast milk.

Importance of Breast-Feeding:
Breast-feeding is crucial as it provides essential antibodies
to infants, offering passive immunity that protects them during
their early life when their own immune system is still developing.

Memory Cells in Passive Immunity:

Unlike active immunity, passive immunity does not involve the
production of memory cells by the recipient’s immune system,
hence it offers only short-term protection.
Cholera:

Cholera is an infectious disease caused by the bacterium Vibrio cholerae. It primarily spreads
through contaminated water, particularly in areas with inadequate water treatment, poor
sanitation, and hygiene. The disease is characterized by severe watery diarrhea, which can lead
to dehydration and electrolyte imbalance. If left untreated, cholera can be fatal within hours due
to severe dehydration.

Mechanism of Cholera Infection:

1. Transmission: The cholera bacterium, Vibrio cholerae, is ingested through water
contaminated with feces from an infected person.
2. Bacterial Action: Once in the small intestine, Vibrio cholerae adheres to the intestinal
walls and begins to produce a toxin known as cholera toxin.
3. Toxin Effect: The cholera toxin causes the enterocytes (intestinal cells) to secrete
chloride ions into the intestinal lumen.
4. Osmotic Movement: The secretion of chloride ions increases the salt concentration
inside the intestine. This osmotic imbalance causes water to move from the blood and
surrounding tissues into the intestinal lumen to balance the ion concentration.
5. Symptoms: This movement of water into the gut results in voluminous, watery diarrhea.
This rapid loss of fluids and salts (such as sodium, potassium, and bicarbonate) leads to
dehydration and an electrolyte imbalance.
6. Consequences: Without prompt treatment, the rapid loss of fluids can lead to
dehydration, shock, and potentially death.

Preventing cholera involves ensuring access to clean water and proper sanitation, along with
health education about the importance of hygiene. In cholera-endemic areas or locations facing
outbreaks, vaccination can also be an effective preventive measure.