Select a disease that affects humans or animals whose causative agent is a bacterium, virus, fungus, protozoa, or other microorganism. ( I chose hepatitis B)
Create and deliver a presentation on your chosen disease in which you report on each of the following in detail:
Causative Agent: Describe and classify the microbe involved. If known, explain how the microbe causes/transmits the disease or interferes with normal body function. Also, describe the vector and/or life cycle for the microbe (if applicable).
Population(s) affected: What population(s) is/are at highest risk of contracting the disease? Are there any groups of people who should be tested? Please include statistical/geographical data and trends (from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, World Health Organization, or other source [http://www.cdc.govLinks to an external site., http://www.who.intLinks to an external site., etc.]).
Course of Disease: What are the usual signs/symptoms of someone with the disease? How is the disease diagnosed? What is the usual time course for recovery? Are there complications and/or long-term effects?
Interventions: Describe possible treatments and/or medical interventions. Is there a vaccine available? How can the disease be best prevented or kept under control?
Full Answer Section
Hepatitis B is caused by the hepatitis B virus (HBV). HBV is a DNA virus, which means its genetic material is made of deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA). The virus has an outer envelope with proteins (antigens) on its surface. These antigens are important for the immune system to recognize and attack the virus. HBV infects liver cells and replicates its DNA inside them. The new viruses then bud off from the infected cells and can infect other liver cells. HBV cannot survive outside the body for very long, so it is not spread through casual contact.
Slide 3
Population(s) Affected
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- Anyone can be infected with HBV.
- Infants born to infected mothers are at high risk.
- People who have unprotected sex with an infected partner are at risk.
- People who share needles or syringes with an infected person are at risk.
- People who get tattoos or piercings with unsterilized equipment are at risk.
- People who work in healthcare or other settings where they may be exposed to blood are at risk.
Speaker Notes Anyone can be infected with HBV, but some people are at higher risk than others. Infants born to infected mothers are at high risk of getting HBV because the virus can pass from mother to baby during childbirth. People who have unprotected sex with an infected partner are also at risk of getting HBV. The virus can be spread through contact with infected blood or other bodily fluids, such as semen and vaginal fluids. People who share needles or syringes with an infected person are at high risk of getting HBV. The virus can be spread through contact with infected blood. People who get tattoos or piercings with unsterilized equipment are at risk of getting HBV if the equipment is contaminated with infected blood. People who work in healthcare or other settings where they may be exposed to blood are at risk of getting HBV if they are not properly vaccinated.
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), an estimated 257 million people worldwide are living with chronic hepatitis B infection. The prevalence of HBV varies widely between regions. In the Western Pacific and African regions, the prevalence is high (over 8%). In the Eastern Mediterranean, European, and South-East Asia regions, the prevalence is intermediate (between 2% and 7%). In the Americas region, the prevalence is low (less than 2%).
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Course of Disease
- Acute Hepatitis B:
- May not have any symptoms, or symptoms may be mild and flu-like (fatigue, loss of appetite, nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, dark urine, and jaundice).
- Usually lasts for a few weeks or months.
- Most people recover completely without any long-term problems.
- Chronic Hepatitis B:
- The virus remains in the body for life.
- May not have any symptoms for many years.
- Can lead to serious liver problems, such as cirrhosis and liver cancer.
Speaker Notes There are two main forms of hepatitis B: acute and chronic.
Acute hepatitis B occurs when someone is first infected with the virus. Most people with acute hepatitis B do not have any symptoms, or their symptoms are mild and flu-like. These symptoms can last for a few weeks or months. Most people recover completely from acute hepatitis B without any long-term problems.
Sample Answer
Slide 1
Hepatitis B
A Liver Infection Caused by a Virus
Speaker Notes Hepatitis B is a serious liver infection caused by the hepatitis B virus (HBV). HBV can attack the liver and cause inflammation, which can lead to scarring (cirrhosis) and even liver cancer.
Slide 2
Causative Agent: Hepatitis B Virus
- HBV is a DNA virus belonging to the Hepadnaviridae family.
- It has a core containing its genetic material and an outer envelope with proteins (antigens) on its surface.
- HBV infects liver cells and replicates its DNA inside them.
- The virus cannot survive outside the body for very long.