Causes Of Diseases
Key Notes:
- Pathogens: Diseases are often caused by microorganisms called pathogens. Common pathogens include bacteria, viruses, fungi, and parasites.
- Bacteria: Bacterial infections are caused by harmful bacteria. Examples include streptococcus, E. coli, and tuberculosis bacteria.
- Viruses: Viruses are tiny infectious agents that can only replicate inside living host cells. Examples include the flu virus, HIV, and the common cold virus.
- Fungi: Fungal infections, such as athlete’s foot and ringworm, are caused by fungi. These organisms thrive in warm, moist environments.
- Parasites: Parasitic diseases are caused by organisms that live on or inside a host organism and rely on the host for nutrition. Examples include malaria (caused by the Plasmodium parasite) and intestinal worms.
- Genetic Factors: Some diseases are caused by genetic factors, meaning they are inherited from one’s parents. Examples include cystic fibrosis and sickle cell anemia.
- Environmental Factors: Environmental factors like pollution, exposure to toxins, and radiation can contribute to the development of diseases. For example, smoking can lead to lung cancer.
- Lifestyle Choices: Unhealthy lifestyle choices, such as a poor diet, lack of exercise, excessive alcohol consumption, and drug abuse, can increase the risk of various diseases like heart disease and diabetes.
- Poor Hygiene: Not practicing good hygiene, including handwashing and proper food handling, can lead to the spread of diseases, especially those caused by bacteria and viruses.
- Contaminated Water and Food: Consuming contaminated water or food can result in diseases like cholera and food poisoning.
- Vector-Borne Diseases: Some diseases are transmitted to humans through vectors like mosquitoes and ticks. For example, malaria and Lyme disease are spread this way.
- Immune System: A weakened immune system can make individuals more susceptible to infections and diseases. This can result from conditions like HIV/AIDS or certain medical treatments.
- Vaccination: Vaccination helps prevent many infectious diseases by stimulating the immune system to produce antibodies against specific pathogens.
- Heredity: Some diseases, like diabetes and certain types of cancer, can have a hereditary component, meaning they run in families due to genetic predisposition.
- Age: The risk of developing certain diseases may increase with age. For example, the risk of arthritis and Alzheimer’s disease tends to rise as people get older.
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