Subgroups of the infectious diseases

There are four subgroups of the infectious diseases. Intestinal infections compose the first subgroup. They are spread through the intestines and stools. Dysentery is an example.

The infections of the respiratory tract compose the second group. They are spread during coughing and talking. The diseases of this subgroup are diphtheria, smallpox and others.

The diseases of the third subgroup are spread through the skin and mucosa. Herpes and lichen (лишай) are the examples.

Blood infections compose the fourth subgroup. These diseases are spread by insects. Encephalitis is an example.

Ex. 18. Make up a dialogue using the following sentences:

Have you had direct contact with a sick infected person?	Чи був у вас контакт з інфікованим хворим?
Have you been inoculated against tetanus?	Чи є у вас щеплення проти правця?
Avoid contact with an infected patient. You may get infected.	Уникайте контакту з інфікованим хворим. Ви можете інфікуватися.
This vaccine confers immunity against … .	Ця вакцина викликає імунітет проти … .
Revaccination must be done in 5 years.	Повторне щеплення (ревакцинація) повинна проводитись через 5 років.
The patient must be isolated.	Хворого потрібно ізолювати.
Decontaminate the patient’s discharge.	Проведіть знезараження виділень хворого.
Treat the patient’s hair with antiparasitic remedies.	Обробіть волосся хворого протипаразитарними засобами.
The epidemic center has been liquidated. The epidemic (pandemic) has abated.	Епідемічне вогнище знешкоджено. Епідемія стихла.

Overview

The infectious diseases are caused by the following types of organisms: bacteria, viruses, fungi, protozoa, and helminthes. So, some infectious diseases are bacterial, some are viral, and still others have other causes. The most common infectious diseases that affect only one organ or body system are: glossitis, oral thrush, salivary gland infections, encephalitis, meningitis, poliomyelitis, trachoma, peritonitis, acute bronchitis, tuberculosis, dermatitis and others. Some diseases affect multiple systems of the body. They are: HIV infections and AIDS, influenza, typhoid fever, tetanus, rabies and others. Common contagious diseases are common viral colds, measles, whooping cough, chickenpox, mumps, diphtheria, and scarlet fever. Parasitic infestations are malaria, tapeworm, trichinosis and others. Some infestations are caused by small insects that attach themselves to the skin and feed off the blood. They are lice, fleas, and ticks. Bacteria and viruses can cause various sexually transmitted diseases. They are gonorrhea, chlamydial infection, syphilis, and herpes.

LESSON 54

REVISION

Read and translate one of the following texts:

Text a tuberculosis

Tuberculosis, often called TB, is a chronic bacterial infection. It can develop after a person inhales droplets sprayed into the air (as from a cough or sneeze) by someone infected with Mycobacterium tuberculosis. Good ventilation and exposure to sunlight decrease the risk of exposure.

If a person is exposed to the TB bacterium, the organism may gain entry to the lungs. If a person is infected, usually no symptoms (cough that produces discolored or bloody sputum, pain with breathing or coughing, and pain in the spine or large joints, fatigue, and night sweats) are apparent initially, although there may be a mild cough and slight fever. Sometimes tuberculosis develops within weeks after the initial exposure. More often, the TB organism may lie dormant for many years before the disease becomes apparent. The disease may be reactivated under conditions in which the immune system is weakened, including old age, malnutrition, alcoholism, immunosuppressive therapy, or certain illnesses such as AIDS or malignancies of the lymph or blood system.

The spread of disease generally is limited by lymph nodes. The TB organism can spread through the lymph nodes and blood to almost any organ in the body. The areas affected include the lining of the lungs, the bones of the spine or large joints, and kidneys.

The preliminary diagnosis of TB is based on review of the chest X-ray. Usually within 2 to 3 months after the initial infection, a spot may be noticeable on an X-ray of the chest. This spot persists indefinitely and usually is no cause for concern. The tuberculin skin test converts from negative to positive at this time.

In addition to the chest X-ray, the physician may obtain a sample of material from the sputum for staining and examination under the microscope.

In the past, sanitariums often were used for persons who had active TB. In recent years, modern drugs are used for treatment of this disease. The drug regimens often include combined use of isoniazid and rifampin, although other combinations also can be used.

Text B