Infections

Infections

Definition

  • Infections occur when a host organism’s body tissues are invaded by disease-causing agents.
  • These agents can be bacteria, viruses, fungi, or parasites.
  • Their multiplication and subsequent release of toxins lead to an infectious disease.

Types of Infections

Bacterial Infections

  • Caused by single-celled organisms known as bacteria.
  • Examples include tuberculosis, pertussis (whooping cough), and salmonellosis (food poisoning).

Viral Infections

  • Caused by viruses.
  • Examples include the common cold, influenza, HIV/AIDS, and current global concern, COVID-19.

Fungal Infections

  • Caused by fungi.
  • Examples include ringworm, athlete’s foot, and thrush.

Parasitic Infections

  • Caused by parasites.
  • Examples include malaria (caused by a parasite transmitted by mosquitos) and tapeworm diseases.

Transmission of Infections

  • Infections can be spread in various ways, including through direct contact (person to person), indirect contact (via inanimate objects), airborne transmission, and vector-borne transmission (via insects or other carriers).

Prevention and Control

  • Hygiene practices: Regular handwashing, using sanitiser, cleaning surfaces, and comprehensive sterilisation in healthcare settings.
  • Vaccination: Critical in the prevention of many bacterial and viral infections.
  • Public health measures: Surveillance, outbreak investigation, and prompt isolation of infected persons.
  • Antibiotics and antiviral drugs: Used for the treatment and in some cases, prevention of bacterial and viral infections respectively.

Antibiotic Resistance

  • Antibiotic resistance is a serious global concern, where bacteria develop resistance to the drugs designed to kill them.
  • Overuse and misuse of antibiotics are key reasons behind this phenomenon.
  • This results in more persistent infections with higher morbidity, mortality, and healthcare costs.