Food And Water Borne Diseases - SS2 Biology Lesson Note

Foodborne Diseases: Foodborne diseases are illnesses caused by consuming contaminated food or beverages. These diseases result from the ingestion of harmful microorganisms, such as bacteria, viruses, parasites, or their toxins, present in contaminated food. Here are eight common foodborne diseases, along with their symptoms, pathogens, and treatment options:

1.       Salmonellosis:

Symptoms: Diarrhea, abdominal pain, fever, vomiting.

Pathogen: Salmonella bacteria.

Treatment: Rest, rehydration, and in severe cases, antibiotics may be required.

2.       Campylobacteriosis:

Symptoms: Diarrhea (often bloody), abdominal pain, fever, nausea.

Pathogen: Campylobacter bacteria.

Treatment: Rest, rehydration, and antibiotics in severe cases.

3.       E. coli Infection:

Symptoms: Diarrhea (may be bloody), abdominal cramps, vomiting, fever.

Pathogen: Escherichia coli (E. coli) bacteria.

Treatment: Supportive care, rest, rehydration, and medical monitoring.

4.       Listeriosis:

Symptoms: Fever, muscle aches, gastrointestinal symptoms, headache, stiff neck.

Pathogen: Listeria monocytogenes bacteria.

Treatment: Antibiotics in severe cases, supportive care, and close medical monitoring.

Water contamination (Wikipedia.org)

Waterborne Diseases: Waterborne diseases are illnesses caused by the ingestion of contaminated water containing pathogenic microorganisms. These diseases can be caused by bacteria, viruses, parasites, or their toxins present in water sources. Here are eight common waterborne diseases, along with their symptoms, pathogens, and treatment options:

1.       Cholera:

Symptoms: Severe diarrhea, vomiting, dehydration.

Pathogen: Vibrio cholerae bacteria.

Treatment: Oral rehydration therapy, intravenous fluids, antibiotics in severe cases.

2.       Typhoid Fever:

Symptoms: High fever, abdominal pain, headache, constipation, or diarrhea.

Pathogen: Salmonella Typhi bacteria.

Treatment: Antibiotics, rest, rehydration, and close medical monitoring.

3.       Hepatitis A:

Symptoms: Fatigue, jaundice (yellowing of the skin and eyes), abdominal pain, nausea.

Pathogen: Hepatitis A virus.

Treatment: Supportive care, rest, rehydration, and vaccination for prevention.

4.       Giardiasis:

Symptoms: Diarrhea, abdominal pain, bloating, fatigue, weight loss.

Pathogen: Giardia lamblia parasite.

Treatment: Antiparasitic medication, rest, rehydration.

It is important to note that proper food handling, preparation, and hygiene practices, as well as access to safe drinking water, are crucial in preventing foodborne and waterborne diseases. In case of symptoms or suspected infection, seeking medical attention is advised for appropriate diagnosis and treatment.