Infectious Diseases: Treatment and Prevention
The AIDS virus multiplies in T cells, destroying and weakening the immune system.
Immune System Disorders
- Autoimmune Diseases: These occur when the immune system mistakenly recognizes some of our body’s molecules as foreign. Examples include multiple sclerosis, some types of diabetes, and lupus.
- Allergies: Occur when the immune system responds to antigens it should not respond to, such as pollen and dust mites.
Treatment of Infectious Diseases
Treatment of Bacterial Diseases
Diseases caused by bacteria are treated with antibiotics. The first antibiotic discovered was penicillin, by Alexander Fleming in 1928. Today, there are antibiotics for almost all bacteria. Abuse of their use, or using them incorrectly, has been a problem, leading to the emergence of resistant bacteria.
Treatment of Diseases Caused by Protozoa and Fungi
For diseases caused by these microorganisms, antiprotozoals and fungicides are used, respectively.
Treatment of Viral Diseases
Infections caused by viruses are the most difficult to treat because viruses penetrate cells. There are medicines that relieve symptoms, but our bodies must overcome the infection and eradicate the virus. In recent years, drugs effective against certain viruses, such as HIV or herpes, have been found. These are called antiviral drugs.
Vaccinations are a preventative method. They consist of activating the immune system against a particular pathogen, so that when we come into contact with it, our immune system responds quickly, eliminating the pathogen. This is known as artificial active immunity.
The AIDS virus multiplies in T cells, destroying and weakening the immune system.
Immune System Disorders
- Autoimmune Diseases: These occur when the immune system mistakenly recognizes some of our body’s molecules as foreign. Examples include multiple sclerosis, some types of diabetes, and lupus.
- Allergies: Occur when the immune system responds to antigens it should not respond to, such as pollen and dust mites.
Treatment of Infectious Diseases
Treatment of Bacterial Diseases
Diseases caused by bacteria are treated with antibiotics. The first antibiotic discovered was penicillin, by Alexander Fleming in 1928. Today, there are antibiotics for almost all bacteria. Abuse of their use, or using them incorrectly, has been a problem, leading to the emergence of resistant bacteria.
Treatment of Diseases Caused by Protozoa and Fungi
For diseases caused by these microorganisms, antiprotozoals and fungicides are used, respectively.
Treatment of Viral Diseases
Infections caused by viruses are the most difficult to treat because viruses enter cells. There are medicines that relieve symptoms, but our bodies must overcome the infection and eradicate the virus. In recent years, drugs effective against certain viruses, such as HIV or herpes, have been found. These are called antiviral drugs.
Vaccinations are a preventative method. They consist of activating the immune system against a particular pathogen, so that when we come into contact with it, our immune system responds quickly, eliminating the pathogen. This is known as artificial active immunity.