Infectious Diseases and Antibiotics - Essay Example

Classification, transmission, prevention, diagnosis and therapy of infectious diseases Infectious diseases can be classified as follows based on the causative organism of infection; “Bacterial – Gram negative and Gram positive Viral – DNA virus, RNA virus, enveloped vs non-enveloped Fungal – Disseminated, Localised Parasitic – Protozoa, Helminths” (Epidemiologic Aspects of Infectious Diseases, p.2) Microbes or microorganisms such as bacteria, viruses and fungi, have the ability to overcome the resistance raised by the defence mechanisms of our body.

Among the microbes described above, viruses are the smallest in size and it can be visible only through microscopes. Infectious diseases can be transmitted through various ways; it can be transmitted from direct contacts as well as indirect contacts. Direct contact between a diseased person and others through touching, embracing, kissing or coughs can cause transmission of the germs. Diseased pet animals can also cause transmission of microbes when people handle such animals. Infectious diseases can be spread through air and water also.

It should be noted that a diseased person can deposit huge amounts of microbes in places where he usually visits. For example, while taking foods, a diseased person can transfer big amounts of microbes into the table top. . Communicable diseases can be prevented with the help of certain precautionary measures. Once a person is diagnosed with a communicable disease, he should be kept in an isolated room. All the equipment used by him should be handled with care. For examples, the plates and spoons used by the patient should be sterilised before reusing it.

Only boiled water should be used for drinking purpose whenever the threats from communicable disease on cards. While attending the duties of the patient, a mask should be worn by the attenders. Hand gloves should be used while come in direct contact with the patient. It is often said that “Preventions is better than cure”. In the case of communicable diseases, the above saying has more importance. Precautionary vaccines are available to prevent communicable diseases. All the children should be vaccinated against communicable diseases as advised by the paediatrician.

Children are more vulnerable to communicable diseases because of their immature immune system. Once the communicable disease epidemic started in a location, the health authorities should advocate people about the necessary precautions to prevent the spreading of disease. Diagnosis of the communicable disease is often done with the help of laboratory tests. Blood and urine tests are usually conducted to identify the culprits or the microbes. X rays and scanning are also used in some particular cases for the diagnosis of the communicable disease.

In some cases, even physical examination may help the doctor to diagnose the disease based on the symptoms present in the patient. Vaccination is the common method of treatment of communicable diseases. It is the process of supplying proper antigens to the diseased