Healthy Interpersonal Relationships, Part 1

Question 1: Define pathogen, host, and vector infections.

Answer 1: Contracting and carrying an infection is a complicated process. Infections are caused by pathogens, against which the body must defend itself. In clinical terms, an infection always has a host: either a person or a population that comes into contact with one or more pathogens in the environment. In this context, a vector is the biological or physical vehicle that moves the agent to the host; in other words, the vector is the mode of transmission. There are various kinds of microbes that can cause an infection: viruses, bacteria, fungi, protozoa, and helminths (parasitic worms). With the exception of helminths, all of these pathogens can only be seen with the aid of a microscope.

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Question 2: Describe and discuss viruses.

Answer 2: Viruses are the smallest of the pathogens, but they are also the most difficult to destroy. Viruses consist of a small bit of nucleic acid (either DNA or RNA) inside a coating of protein. Viruses are unable to reproduce by themselves, so they infest the reproductive systems of cells already in the body and command them to make new viral cells. These new cells are then sent to other parts of the body. Some of the most common viruses are influenza, herpes, hepatitis, and papilloma. It is difficult to treat viruses without also damaging the cells that they are using. Antibiotics, for instance, have no effect on viruses. Special antiviral drugs must be taken, and even these do not entirely eliminate the presence of the virus.

Question 3: Describe and discuss bacteria.

Answer 3: Bacteria are simple, one-celled organisms and are the most common microorganism and pathogen. Most bacteria do not cause disease; in fact, many bacteria are important to body processes. Bacteria can harm the body when they release enzymes that actually digest other body cells or when they produce toxins. Since bacteria are quite different from the normal body cell, they can usually be effectively treated with antibiotics. However, not just any antibiotic can be used to treat every bacterial infection; a doctor must determine the particular strain of bacteria that is causing the problem before he or she writes a prescription. Over time, bacteria may become resistant to antibiotics, so it is best not to take too much of this effective treatment.

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