Infectious disease

In this chapter, you will learn to:

• Explain that infectious diseases are caused by pathogens transmitted between individuals.

• Identify the pathogens responsible for cholera, malaria, tuberculosis (TB), and HIV/AIDS, and describe their modes of transmission.

• Recognize that human pathogens include viruses, bacteria, and protoctists.

• Discuss the biological, social, and economic factors that affect the success of control strategies for cholera, malaria, TB, and HIV.

• Summarize how the antibiotic penicillin works against bacteria.

• Explain why antibiotics are ineffective against viruses.

• Discuss the implications of antibiotic resistance in pathogens.

• Outline strategies to minimize the impact of antibiotic resistance.