Infectious Diseases - Cambridge (CIE) AS Biology Revision Notes 2023

Overview

• Infectious diseases are caused by pathogens and are transmissible.
• Can spread between individuals, posing serious public health issues.

Infectious vs Non-Infectious Diseases

• Infectious/Communicable Diseases: Caused by pathogens, can be transmitted between people or animals.
  • Examples: Cholera, Tuberculosis (TB), Malaria, HIV/AIDS.
• Non-Infectious Diseases: Not caused by pathogens, may be inherited or due to lifestyle factors.
  • Examples: Lung cancer, Sickle cell disease, Depression, Coronary heart disease.

Common Pathogens & Diseases

• Cholera: Caused by bacteria Vibrio cholerae.
• Malaria: Caused by various protists (Plasmodium species).
• Tuberculosis (TB): Caused by bacteria Mycobacterium tuberculosis and Mycobacterium bovis.
• HIV/AIDS: Caused by Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV).

Importance of Pathogens

• High infection rates globally, significant public health concern.
• Understanding pathogens and their transmission is key to disease control.

Additional Notes

• Infectious diseases are a major topic within the Cambridge (CIE) AS Biology syllabus.
• Revision resources include exam questions, study guides, and flashcards.
• Useful for understanding the global impact and epidemiology of infectious diseases.