DISEASE PATHOGENS

Bacteria

These one-cell organisms are responsible for illnesses such as strep throat, urinary tract infections and tuberculosis. Bacteria constitute approximately 38% of human pathogens and 30% of the emerging pathogens in humans.

Viruses

Even smaller than bacteria, viruses cause a multitude of diseases. According to Lindahl & Grace (2015), it is estimated that 44% of the diseases considered emerging in humans are viral. Emerging Infectious Diseases that have received most publicity in the past 30 - 40 years have been viruses. Notable examples have been Corona virus 19, HIV, SARS, and Ebola.

Fungi

Many skin diseases, such as ringworm and athlete's foot, are caused by fungi. Other types of fungi can infect your lungs or nervous system.

Parasites

According to the CDC, a parasite is an organism that lives on or in a host and gets its food from or at the expense of its host. Malaria is caused by a tiny parasite that is transmitted by a mosquito bite. Other parasites may be transmitted to humans from animal faeces and urine.

HOST-PARASITE RELATIONSHIP

1. Parasitism: Is an association by which one of organism deprives nutrients directly from the host and causing harm to the host. This association may give rise to extreme pathology in the host.

2. Commensalism: Is an association by which one member benefits but not causing harm to the host.

3. Mutualism: Is an association in which both members benefit from each other without causing harm. E.g. man and normal flora in the body

BACTERIOLOGY

Diphtheria

It is uncommon but important acute bacterial infection of the nose and throat characterized by the formation of grey whitish membrane on the tonsil and pharynx which spread through the lower part of the respiratory tract.

Causative Agent

Corynebacterium diphtherae: a gram positive and non-motile organism.

Incubation Period

The incubation period is between 2 – 6 days.

Mode of Transmission

The disease is spread mainly through droplets purely through contact with patient or contaminated article. Raw milk may also be source of infection.

Signs and Symptoms (Clinical Manifestation)

1. A thick, grey membrane covering the throat and tonsils

2. Swollen glands (enlarge lymph nodes) on the neck

3. Difficulty in breathing or rapid breathing

4. Nasal discharge

5. Fever and chills

6. Malaise

Complications

1. Heart: The toxins have the ability to cause inflammation to the heart leading to heart failure in children. This is more common in the second week.

2. Obstruction of the wind pipe

3. Toxxaemia leading to death

4. Dyspnoea, dysphagia, aphonae and cyanosis

5. Bronchio-pneumonia

6. Nerves palsy

7. Otitis media

Differential Diagnosis

1. Acute bronchitis

2. Acute laryngitis

3. Pneumonia

Diagnosis

The disease is diagnosed through signs and symptoms

Management and Treatment

1. In the hospital Tracheosotomy (incision into the trachea to prevent death from obstruction) is done.

2. Give some strong antibiotics e.g. Cipro (Ciprofloxacin), Norbactin (Norfloxacin) or Amoxyl in high doses.

3. Analgesics such as paracetamol maybe given = 1000mg PRN

4. Oral Nystatin 500, 000iu tds for 2/52

5. Personal and oral hygiene and application of oraldine

6. Neutralization of toxins by given anti-toxin. Dose given will depend on the severity.

• Mild 4000-8000 units of anti-diphtheria toxin

• Moderate, give 16,000-32,000 units

• Severe, give 100,000 units

Prevention and Control

1. Report the case to ministry of health (MOH)

2. Isolate and treat all cases

3. Proper disinfection of article soiled by the patient discharged

4. Immunization of all children with DPT vaccine

Pertussis, a.k.a. whooping cough

Pertussis, a respiratory illness commonly known as whooping cough, is a very contagious disease caused by a type of bacteria called Bordetella pertussis. These bacteria attach to the cilia (tiny, hair-like extensions) that line part of the upper respiratory system. The bacteria release toxins, which damage the cilia and cause airways to swell.