Common Infectious Diseases: Malaria, Diarrhea, TB, AIDS, Flu & More
Common Infectious Diseases
Malaria
Malaria is caused by protozoan microorganisms of the genus Plasmodium, transmitted by Anopheles mosquitoes. These parasites infect liver cells and erythrocytes (red blood cells), where they reproduce. This cellular exploitation leads to episodes of intense fever, chills, anemia, and spleen inflammation due to the proliferation of defensive cells.
Malaria can be treated with medication, but reinfection is possible. A fully effective vaccine is not yet available.
Diarrheal Diseases
Diarrheal diseases, including cholera, dysentery, salmonellosis, and typhoid fever, are caused by microorganisms residing in the intestines of infected individuals. Infection occurs through the digestive tract, typically by consuming food or water contaminated with traces of vomit or feces, or via flies carrying microorganisms. These diseases cause significant water and salt loss, which can be fatal if untreated. In Spain, Salmonella infection is a prevalent concern.
Tuberculosis (TB)
Tuberculosis (TB) is a highly contagious disease primarily affecting the lungs but can spread to other organs. Caused by the bacterium Mycobacterium tuberculosis, it is transmitted through saliva or mucus droplets and enters the body via inhalation. Individuals can be carriers and transmit the infection without showing symptoms.
TB is treatable with drugs; however, there has been a resurgence in recent years, partly due to co-infection with AIDS. The bacteria can develop resistance to drugs, making treatment expensive, and incomplete treatment can lead to reinfection.
Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome (AIDS)
Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome (AIDS) is a severe infectious disease. The first case was reported in 1981, and it has since become a global pandemic, affecting over 30 million people. It is caused by the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), which destroys immune cells, particularly CD4 lymphocytes, crucial for the immune system.
HIV is fragile outside the human body and is primarily transmitted through blood contact, unprotected sex, and from mother to child during birth. While there is no cure, treatments can prolong the patient’s life, although they are often expensive.
Influenza (The Flu)
Influenza, commonly known as the flu, is a respiratory illness caused by influenza viruses. There are many different strains. Infection occurs through inhalation or ingestion of saliva droplets. Symptoms include fever, sore throat, and muscle pain. As a viral disease, antibiotics are ineffective. Treatment focuses on alleviating symptoms while the immune system fights the infection. Prevention includes covering the mouth when coughing and regular handwashing. The virus undergoes genetic changes and recombination, leading to new viral strains.
Immunizations
Immunizations involve the use of defensive antibodies, which are proteins that react specifically against an antigen and are produced by leukocytes. There are two main types of vaccines:
- Passive Immunization: Contains antibodies against the disease-causing agent, providing immediate but short-lived protection.
- Active Immunization: Contains killed or attenuated microorganisms, stimulating the body to produce its own antibodies, resulting in long-lasting protection.
Antibiotics
An antibiotic is a substance produced by a microorganism that inhibits or kills other microorganisms. Antibiotics are ineffective against viruses.
Hemophilia
Hemophilia is a disorder that impairs or significantly slows blood clotting, leading to spontaneous or injury-induced bleeding, both internally and externally. This occurs due to deficiencies in blood coagulation factors and platelet function. It is an incurable disease, requiring ongoing coagulation factor replacement therapy.
There are two main treatment approaches:
- On-demand Treatment: Administration of coagulation factor after the onset of symptoms.
- Prophylactic Treatment: Routine administration of coagulation factor to prevent bleeding episodes.
Coagulation factors can be obtained through purification and separation from donor blood or through genetic recombination, which yields a higher degree of purity.