Salmonella Food Poisoning: A Bacterial Infection

Salmonella is a bacterial infection that commonly causes food poisoning, with symptoms typically appearing within 8-72 hours of consuming contaminated food.

Key symptoms of Salmonella infection:

• Fever
• Abdominal cramps
• Vomiting
• Diarrhoea

Highlight: Salmonella bacteria disrupt the natural gut flora, leading to gastrointestinal distress.

Transmission:

• Eating food where bacteria have not been killed by proper heating

Potential complications:

• Dehydration, particularly dangerous for the elderly and very young

Example: Undercooked poultry is a common source of Salmonella infection, emphasizing the importance of proper food handling and cooking practices.

Prevention and Control:

• No specific treatment once infection occurs; antibiotics are not typically prescribed
• In the UK, poultry is vaccinated against Salmonella to control the spread of the disease

Vocabulary: Dehydration is a condition where the body loses more fluids than it takes in, potentially leading to serious health complications if left untreated.

Gonorrhea: A Sexually Transmitted Bacterial Infection

Gonorrhea is a communicable disease caused by bacteria and primarily transmitted through sexual contact. It affects both men and women, often with different symptoms.

Common symptoms in men:

• Penile discharge (often green or yellow)
• Burning or painful urination
• Testicular swelling

Common symptoms in women:

• Vaginal discharge
• Burning or painful urination
• Bleeding between periods

Highlight: Many people infected with gonorrhea may not experience noticeable symptoms, making regular testing crucial for sexually active individuals.

Transmission:

• Unprotected sexual contact with an infected person

Potential complications:

• Pelvic pain
• Infertility
• Ectopic pregnancies

Definition: An ectopic pregnancy occurs when a fertilized egg implants outside the uterus, typically in a fallopian tube, and can be life-threatening if left untreated.

Treatment and Prevention:

• Gonorrhea can be treated with antibiotics, but antibiotic-resistant strains are emerging
• No vaccine is available; barrier methods (e.g., condoms) are recommended for prevention

Example: The rise of antibiotic-resistant gonorrhea strains highlights the importance of responsible antibiotic use and the need for new treatment options.

Fungal Diseases: Affecting Plants and Humans

Fungal diseases can affect both plants and humans, causing a range of symptoms and potential complications.

Common symptoms in humans:

• Irritation
• Scaly skin
• Redness
• Itching
• Swelling

Severe fungal infections in humans:

• Can attack the lungs or brain in immunocompromised individuals
• May develop on damaged heart valves

Highlight: While many fungal infections are superficial, they can become life-threatening in people with weakened immune systems.

Treatment for human fungal infections:

• Antifungal drugs are usually effective against skin fungi
• Deep-seated tissue infections are more challenging to treat

Fungal diseases in plants:

• Common cause of crop loss
• Include stem rusts and various rotting diseases

Example: Wheat stem rust is a devastating fungal disease that can cause significant yield losses in wheat crops worldwide.

Vocabulary: Stem rust is a fungal disease that affects cereal crops, causing reddish-brown pustules on stems and leaves, leading to reduced grain quality and yield.