Module 7: Infectious Disease — Study Booklet
(Part 1)
1. Introduction to Health and Disease
1.1 Definition of Health
• Health is a complete state of physical, mental, and social wellbeing, not merely the absence of
disease.
• Influenced by age, activity levels, diet, genetics, mental state, and environmental exposure.
1.2 Definition of Disease
• Any condition that negatively affects normal functioning of an organism.
• Includes both minor issues (e.g., cuts) and chronic conditions (e.g., diabetes).
• Can be infectious or non-infectious.
1.3 Infectious vs Non-Infectious Diseases
• Infectious diseases: caused by pathogens; transmissible.
• Non-infectious diseases: caused by genetics, environment, lifestyle; non-transmissible.
Examples
• Infectious: Malaria, Influenza, Tuberculosis
• Non-Infectious: Diabetes, Scurvy, Haemophilia
2. Pathogens
2.1 Definition of Pathogen
A pathogen is any organism or agent capable of causing disease.
2.2 Virulence
• Measure of the severity or harmfulness of a pathogen.
• High virulence = severe symptoms or death.
2.3 Intracellular vs Extracellular Pathogens
• Intracellular: grow inside host cells (all viruses, some bacteria/protozoa)
• Extracellular: grow outside host cells in tissues (most bacteria, fungi)
2.4 Types of Pathogens
Prions
• Misfolded proteins
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• No DNA or RNA
• Cause neurodegenerative diseases
Viruses
• Non-cellular, contain DNA or RNA
• Require host cell to reproduce
Bacteria
• Prokaryotic cells
• Reproduce via binary fission
• Some produce toxins
Protozoa
• Eukaryotic unicellular organisms
• No cell wall; various locomotion types
Fungi
• Eukaryotic, unicellular or multicellular
• Cell wall present, no chloroplasts
Macroparasites
• Visible multicellular organisms
• Live in or on host (ticks, worms, lice)
3. Transmission of Infectious Diseases
3.1 Overview
Transmission depends on how a pathogen exits one host and enters another.
3.2 Direct Transmission
Occurs through immediate contact between infected and healthy individuals. - Touching - Kissing -
Sexual contact - Droplet spread (coughing, sneezing)
3.3 Indirect Transmission
Transmission via an intermediate surface or medium. - Airborne (small particles remain suspended) -
Contaminated food / water - Surfaces (fomites)
3.4 Vector Transmission
Requires another organism to transmit disease. - Mosquitos (malaria, dengue) - Fleas (plague) - Ticks
(Lyme disease)
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3.5 Epidemic Transmission Investigation
• Mapping infection patterns
• Reproductive number (R0)
• Environmental factors
4. Microbial Testing of Water & Food (Practical)
4.1 Purpose
To determine presence and abundance of microbes.
4.2 Agar Plates
• Nutrient agar supports growth of bacteria/fungi.
• Incubation at <30°C prevents pathogen risk.
• Colonies identified by colour, texture, shape.
4.3 Safety Requirements
• PPE (gloves, goggles)
• Sterile technique
• Do not reopen plates after incubation
• Handwashing
• Disinfect bench tops
4.4 Example Investigation Overview
• Collect water/food samples
• Swab sample onto agar plate
• Seal and incubate at 25°C
• Compare colony growth
• Record contamination levels
END OF PART 1
A new Part 2 document will be created for: Koch, Pasteur, epidemics, plant responses, immunity,
pathogen adaptations, agricultural diseases, and ALL question answers.