About Communicable Diseases
Communicable diseases are contagious illnesses that can be transmitted between people or animals in a variety of ways. All communicable diseases are transmitted via some form of infectious pathogen, such as bacteria or viruses. The World Health Organization (WHO) estimates that over 16 million deaths occur world-wide each year from communicable diseases.
Types
A number of different types of pathogens cause communicable diseases in humans. Bacteria are responsible for some of the most prevalent communicable diseases, including tuberculosis, pneumonia, diphtheria and streptococcus infections. Pathogenic viruses also transmit contagious illnesses such as the common cold, the flu, HIV, hepatitis, measles and mumps. Other agents that cause infectious diseases include fungi and parasites.
Effects
Communicable diseases can be spread in a number of ways. Pathogens can be transmitted via the air, direct touch, infected objects, sexual contact or infected food and water. Fleas, rats, mosquitoes, ticks and mice are also common carriers of communicable diseases. Knowing the mode of transmission for a communicable disease is vital in the treatment and management of an illness.
Identification
Diagnosis of communicable diseases involves a wide range of medical tools. Some illnesses, such as the common cold, can be diagnosed by clinical symptoms alone. Frequently infectious diseases are confirmed with diagnostic tests engineered to detect a specific virus or bacteria such as HIV and hepatitis. Additional methods of communicable disease identification include bacterial cultures, microscopic examination and a variety of general laboratory tests.
Effects
The effects communicable diseases have on the human body are as varied as the diseases themselves. Many communicable diseases create some discomfort for a period of time but have no lasting long-term effects. There are, however, many contagious illnesses that can generate long-term disability or death, such as HIV, malaria, pneumonia, tuberculosis and ebola.
Prevention/Solution
Diagnosis of communicable diseases involves a wide range of medical tools. Some illnesses, such as the common cold, can be diagnosed by clinical symptoms alone. Frequently, infectious diseases are confirmed with diagnostic tests engineered to detect a specific virus or bacteria, such as HIV and hepatitis. Additional methods of communicable disease identification include bacterial cultures, microscopic examination and a variety of general laboratory tests.
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