Page 5 - LN
P. 5
4. Through vectors: (example- malaria,
dengue)
Many animals which live with us may
carry diseases. Such animals or insects
that carry infectious diseases from sick
person to another potential host and
spread a disease are called vectors.
These animals act as intermediaries and
are the carriers of the disease causing pathogens.
Organ-specific and tissue-specific manifestation:
Organ and tissue-specific manifestations refer to certain organs, tissues, or cells
where the microorganisms affect a person’s body.
When the microbes affect the entire organ, such as lungs or kidneys, it is known
as organ-specific manifestation.
When the entire tissue is affected by the microbes, it is called a tissue-specific
manifestation.
Organ-Specific Manifestation
● The microorganisms that enter the body travel to a specific organ and multiply
there. Mycobacterium tuberculosis is the bacteria that causes tuberculosis. It
usually enters the body through the nose and migrates to the lungs.
● Bacteria such as the Salmonella enter through the mouth (through consumption
of infected food or water) and travels to the gut lining causing typhoid.
● There are a few infectious agents that go to a particular organ and then spread
throughout the body. The HIV virus enters the body through sexual contact and
tends to spread to lymph nodes throughout the body.
● The malarial parasite enters the liver and spreads to the red blood cells. The
signs and symptoms of disease thus depend upon the tissue or organ it targets.
Tissue-Specific Manifestation
The immune system is also activated in response to infections. The
microorganisms enter into the tissues and damage it.