2. INFECTIOUS DISEASE – TETANUS CAUSES:
caused by bacteria Clostridium Tetani - present in
soil, saliva, dust and in animal feces .
These bacteria produces spores that are resistant to heat and
disinfectants.
When spores enter the skin (through wound ), it becomes active
and produces toxic substances to the central nervous system
This results in Tetanus symptoms
3. HOW DOES IT PASS ON?
People get tetanus through an infected open wound
e.g. if a person steps on a rusty nail, they could become ill from
the spores of tetanus bacteria that went into the wound
As well, wounds that do not have good blood supply or are not
exposed to air are more likely to tetanus
4. SYMPTOMS OF TETANUS
Stif fness of the jaw (lockjaw) – It is most common
Dif ficulty opening mouth
Other muscles become stif f (e.g. back , abdomen, face)
Fever
Per spire heavily
Rapid pulse
Feel restless
Muscle spasms
Noise and light may cause seizures
Infants with tetanus are unable to suck milk
5. TREATMENT
1.
Doctor diagnosis symptoms of recently open wounds
If patient is diagnosed with Tetanus, he/she is injected with tetanus
antitoxin
Tetanus antitoxin contains antibodies which attach and neutralise the
tetanus toxin – the patient is immunised
Infected areas are cleaned thoroughly
Antibodies are given to destroy remaining bacteria in the wound
2.
Other drugs are given to control symptoms - in some cases
mechanical ventilator are used to regulate breathing
6. PREVENTION
1.
getting vaccinated against tetanus
This type of vaccine protects a person for 10 years after
booster shot
2.
Receive a shot of post-exposure tetanus prophylaxis after an
injury that could cause tetanus
7. INCIDENCE
- AUSTRALIAN GOVERNMENT
DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH
Tetanus can occur at any age and time. However, this disease is much more likely to
occur in third world countries where people do not have immunisation.
8. NON-INFECTIOUS DISEASE: ALZHEIMER'S
CAUSES
As a person ages, something causes brain cells to die and clumps of
plaques develop but in Alzheimer's, it happens quicker
Almost ever yone who has the gene APP, Presenilin – 1 or Presenilin - 2
gets the rare familial form of this disease
The gene APOE (3 forms - APOE2, APOE3 & APOE4) play a role in the
more common types of Alzheimer's disease
Researchers are still tr ying to under stand why these changes happen
faster in Alzheimer patients (some suggested include minor strokes, Injur y
to head, lifestyle factor s and infections from viruses)
9. SYMPTOMS OF ALZHEIMER'S
memor y loss
Challenges in planning or solving problems
Dif ficulty completing familiar tasks at home, work or at leisure
Confusion with time or place
Trouble under standing visual images and spatial relationships
New problems with words in speaking or writing
Misplacing things and losing the ability to retrace steps
Decreased or poor judgement
Withdrawal from work or social activities
Af fects per son's ability to per form daily activities
Changes in mood and per sonality - confusion, fear, suspicious, anxious
10. TREATMENT
There are currently no cure for Alzheimer's.
However, drug and non-drug treatments may help ease
behavioural and psychological symptoms
As well, researchers are showing interest in therapeutic
treatments
11. PREVENTION
At the present, there is no known way to prevent Alzheimer's
Some study suggests antioxidants like vitamin E may prevent
damage to cells including cells in the brain
