Host characteristics and human carriers of infectious disease

8 important questions on Host characteristics and human carriers of infectious disease

In the concept of chain of infection there is also a chain of host characteristics. What are general aspects of this?

Genetic factors: important innate immunity against viruses for example. Difference in reacting to virusses; HIV, meningococcal meningitis and SARS CoV-2 for example.
General resistance factors: intact skin, mucous membrane. Important for example for human papilloma viruses, cause warts on the skin. Acid stomach, cilia and cough reflex for example. And behaviour.
Specific acquired immunity: natural immunity (also means transfer of antibodies from the mother to the child= passive natural immunity) and artificial immunity

Which infections give you full immunity after the first infection?

  • Measles (mazelen)
  • Chickenpox (waterpokken)

Name two infection that definitely don't give you full immunity after the first infection?

Influenza and salmonella.
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Which two types of artificial immunity are there?

  • Active: can last for a life time; producing own antibodies
  • Passive: last for a short time (rabies virus when bit by a dog; you get antibodies)

What are different portals of entry?

Skin normally really stong: but HPV and mosquito.
Eye = respiratory tract.

What is the portal of exit of the human papilloma virus?

Dust of dead skin.

What is the role of age in hepatitis A virus infections?

50% of the adults infected with the virus have an inapparent infection.
For every child with symptoms (jaundice) there are 10 children infected without symptoms.
So, children are very effective spreaders (via faeces).

What is the role of age in hepatitis B?

Your age determines if your are becoming a chronic carrier or not.

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