By Jenny He

INFECTIOUS & NON-INFECTIOUS CASE

STUDY

caused by bacteria Clostridium Tetani - present in soil, saliva, dust and in animal feces.

These bacteria produces spores that are resistant to heat and disinfectants.

When spores enter the skin (through wound), it becomes active and produces toxic substances to the central nervous system

This results in Tetanus symptoms

INFECTIOUS DISEASE – TETANUS CAUSES:

People get tetanus through an infected open wound

e.g. if a person steps on a rusty nail, they could become ill from the spores of tetanus bacteria that went into the wound

As well, wounds that do not have good blood supply or are not exposed to air are more likely to tetanus

HOW DOES IT PASS ON?

Stiff ness of the jaw (lockjaw) – It is most common

Diffi culty opening mouth

Other muscles become stiff (e.g. back, abdomen, face)

Fever

Perspire heavily

Rapid pulse

Feel restless

Muscle spasms

Noise and light may cause seizures

Infants with tetanus are unable to suck milk

SYMPTOMS OF TETANUS

Doctor diagnosis symptoms of recently open wounds

If patient is diagnosed with Tetanus, he/she is injected with tetanus antitoxin

Tetanus antitoxin contains antibodies which attach and neutralise the tetanus toxin – the patient is immunised

Infected areas are cleaned thoroughly

Antibodies are given to destroy remaining bacteria in the wound

Other drugs are given to control symptoms - in some cases mechanical ventilator are used to regulate breathing

TREATMENT

1.

2.

1. getting vaccinated against tetanusThis type of vaccine protects a person for 10 years

after booster shot

2.Receive a shot of post-exposure tetanus prophylaxis

after an injury that could cause tetanus

PREVENTION

INCIDENCE

Tetanus can occur at any age and time. However, this disease is much more likely to occur in third world countries where people do not have immunisation.

- A U S T R A L I A N G O V E R N M E N T D E PA R T M E N T O F H E A LT H

As a person ages, something causes brain cells to die and clumps of plaques develop but in Alzheimer's, it happens quicker

Almost everyone who has the gene APP, Presenilin – 1 or Presenilin - 2 gets the rare familial form of this disease

The gene APOE (3 forms - APOE2, APOE3 & APOE4) play a role in the more common types of Alzheimer's disease

Researchers are still trying to understand why these changes happen faster in Alzheimer patients (some suggested include minor strokes, Injury to head, l ifestyle factors and infections from viruses)

NON-INFECTIOUS DISEASE: ALZHEIMER'S CAUSES

memory loss

Challenges in planning or solving problems

Diffi culty completing familiar tasks at home, work or at leisure

Confusion with time or place

Trouble understanding visual images and spatial relationships

New problems with words in speaking or writ ing

Misplacing things and losing the abil ity to retrace steps

Decreased or poor judgement

Withdrawal from work or social activit ies

Aff ects person's abil ity to perform daily activit ies

Changes in mood and personality - confusion, fear, suspicious, anxious

SYMPTOMS OF ALZHEIMER'S

There are currently no cure for Alzheimer's.

However, drug and non-drug treatments may help ease behavioural and psychological symptoms

As well, researchers are showing interest in therapeutic treatments

TREATMENT

 At the present, there is no known way to prevent Alzheimer's

Some study suggests antioxidants like vitamin E may prevent damage to cells including cells in the brain

PREVENTION

According to Australian Institute of Health and Welfare, Alzheimer’s are more likely to occur in people aged 85+.

INCIDENCE

END.