Learning Points Outline examples of Give the definition of Describe the life viral diseases in a virus. cycle of a virus. plants and humans. Transmission of HIV The causative agent of AIDS is now known to be HIV-1 or Human Immunodeficiency Virus. The virus is a retrovirus which means that its genetic information is in the form of RNA. When the virus replicates in human cells, a viral enzyme called reverse transcriptase is used to transcribe DNA from the RNA template.
The virus weakens the immune system, reducing the ability of the person to fight everyday diseases. In severe cases, this can result in AIDS, a spectrum of conditions. Initially it was thought that HIV was spread only through sexual contact. Later studies revealed that that the virus could be transmitted in the following ways: sexual intercourse with an infected person transfusion of infected blood sharing needles or syringes from mother to child during childbirth or breastfeeding. Transmission of HIV It is evident that HIV is transmitted through infected vaginal fluids or semen, blood and breastmilk. In other words, if adequate care is taken, the transmission of HIV can be prevented. This could include steps like using condoms during sexual intercourse, not sharing needles and early anti-HIV treatment. The use of adequate protection by medical professionals when handling the body fluids of infected patients is important as the virus can be spread through the exposure of broken skin to infected blood. Effect of HIV on immune system One method to assess the progression of HIV is by monitoring the count of helper T-cells (CD4+ T-cells). Without treatment, this count can decrease significantly, compromising the immune system's ability to combat infections. A weakened immune system leaves the individual vulnerable to opportunistic infections, which are caused by pathogens that typically do not cause disease in healthy individuals but can take hold in those with HIV due to their reduced immunity. Stages of HIV Stage 1 Acute HIV infection is the initial stage where the HIV multiplies and destroys the helper T-cells. During this period, the level of HIV in the blood is high, which increases the risk of transmission. Stage 2 Chronic HIV infection is the stage where the HIV multiplication drops to low levels. Individuals in this stage may not have obvious symptoms. This stage could last for several years. Stage 3 At the final stage, the body cannot fight opportunistic infections. The individuals suffer from a range of conditions affecting different organ systems due to the progressive weakening of the immune system, leading to the term, ‘acquired immuno-deficiency syndrome’ or AIDS. Viruses in plants The tobacco mosaic virus infects plants closely related to the tobacco plant. This includes pepper and tomato plants. It infects the chloroplasts, the organelle where photosynthesis takes place. It is transmitted when plants come in contact with each other. There is no cure for this virus.
We say strains of viruses not species. ORIGIN OF ANTIBIOTIC Antibiotics treat bacterial In 1928, Alexander Fleming, a British infections by killing bacteria scientist, discovered penicillin by accident. or stopping their growth. Upon returning from vacation, he found that They can be broad-spectrum or narrow-spectrum. Misuse mould had grown on a culture plate of can lead to resistance, so Staphylococcus aureus, a bacterium causing it’s important to use them sore throats. Notably, the area around the responsibly and complete mould was clear of bacterial colonies. Fleming the prescribed course. identified that the “mould juice” could kill a wide range of bacteria, leading to the USE OF discovery of penicillin, the first antibiotic. This discovery marked the beginning of a new era ANTIBIOTIC in medicine, revolutionizing the treatment of bacterial infections. ACTION OF ANTIBIOTIC Antibiotics, meaning “against life,” are naturally produced by fungi and bacteria to kill or inhibit competing microbes. They treat bacterial infections by either inhibiting bacterial growth (bacteriostatic) or killing bacteria directly (bactericidal). Antibiotics can be broad-spectrum, targeting many bacteria types, or narrow-spectrum, targeting specific bacteria. They work by interfering with bacterial processes like protein synthesis, cell wall formation, DNA replication, or metabolic pathways. For example, penicillin disrupts bacterial cell wall formation, while tetracycline inhibits protein synthesis. Antibiotics are ineffective against viruses, which lack the cellular structures and metabolic processes that antibiotics target. More than 75 years ago, Alexander Fleming predicted that careless use of antibiotics would lead to resistance, a ANTIBIOTIC prediction that has come true. Bacteria evolve through mutation and natural selection, leading to antibiotic- RESISTANCE resistant strains. Overuse and misuse of antibiotics have accelerated this process, making diseases like gonorrhea, tuberculosis, and pneumonia harder to treat. Multidrug- resistant (MDR) bacteria, such as staphylococci and streptococci, pose significant challenges, resulting in longer hospital stays and increased mortality. To combat antibiotic resistance, it’s crucial to practice good hygiene, use antibiotics only when prescribed, and complete the full course of treatment. ZOONOTIC DISEASE AND FROM ANIMAL TO ITS SPREAD HUMAN Zoonoses are infectious diseases that can be transmitted Zoonotic diseases emerge when pathogens from animal from animals to humans, caused by various pathogens such species (reservoirs) cross into humans, a process known as as bacteria, viruses, fungi, and parasites. These diseases spillover. The likelihood of spillover increases with greater can spread through direct contact with infected animals, human-animal interactions, driven by activities like indirect contact via contaminated food or water, or through handling wild animals, consuming their meat, poaching, vectors like mosquitoes and ticks. Examples include rabies, animal markets, and deforestation. Examples of zoonotic Ebola, COVID-19, and Lyme disease. Zoonoses account for diseases include tuberculosis, rabies, Japanese encephalitis, nearly 60% of emerging infectious diseases, posing COVID-19, brucellosis, anthrax, Ebola, avian flu, and swine significant public health challenges. Preventive measures flu. include good hygiene, vaccination, and monitoring animal populations. Environmental changes and antimicrobial resistance further complicate the management of zoonotic diseases. Tuberculosis, Rabies, Japanese encephalitis, COVID-19
Tuberculosis Rabies Most human tuberculosis cases are caused by Mycobacterium Rabies is a viral zoonotic disease caused by the rabies tuberculosis. However, cattle can also suffer from tuberculosis, virus (RABV). It spreads from infected animals to known as bovine tuberculosis, caused by Mycobacterium bovis. humans through bites and scratches, with the virus in Zoonotic tuberculosis spreads from cattle to humans through the animal’s saliva entering the human body and contaminated food, such as untreated dairy products, and poses affecting the central nervous system. Common carriers an occupational risk for those in close contact with infected animals, like farmers and vets. Although zoonotic tuberculosis is include bats, raccoons, foxes, and dogs. Although rabies believed to contribute significantly to human tuberculosis cases, is fatal once symptoms appear, immediate vaccination exact numbers are unclear due to inadequate surveillance. after exposure can prevent the disease.
Japanese encephalitis COVID-19
Coronaviruses are a family of viruses causing respiratory diseases, from Japanese encephalitis is a zoonotic disease caused by the Japanese the common cold to severe illnesses like COVID-19, caused by SARS- CoV-2. These zoonotic viruses are transmitted from animals to humans, encephalitis virus. It primarily infects pigs and aquatic wading birds, with bats thought to be the reservoirs and civets and pangolins as where it multiplies. The virus is transmitted to humans and other intermediate hosts. The disease spread from these animals to humans, animals, such as dogs, cattle, sheep, and horses, through the bite of an and subsequently to other species, including cats, dogs, and zoo animals, infected mosquito. Japanese encephalitis does not spread from person to a phenomenon known as reverse zoonosis. Preventing zoonotic diseases involves maintaining undisturbed wildlife habitats to reduce the risk of person. As an emerging disease, ongoing research may update these infections like COVID-19 with pandemic potential. facts. Viruses
