Understanding Genetic and Infectious Diseases: Causes and Prevention

Genetic Disorders

A genetic disorder is a disease caused by an alteration of a gene, called a mutation. These mutations can occur randomly or as a consequence of exposure to some environmental risk factors.

Amniocentesis

Amniocentesis is a test used to determine whether a fetus has a genetic disease.

Environmental Factors

• Exposure to carcinogens: Components of cigarette smoke may induce gene expression, provoking different types of cancer.
• Water and food: In some rural areas, water could be contaminated with pesticides or substances from farms and industries. In developing countries, contaminated water is responsible for many (often fatal) diseases.
• Pollution: Cities with high levels of pollution and areas close to nuclear power plants may increase the risk of developing respiratory diseases.
• Healthcare: Health systems, including vaccination programs, play a crucial role in improving public health through primary healthcare initiatives.

Healthy Habits

• Balanced diet: Maintaining a balanced diet is essential for achieving and maintaining a proper weight according to age, gender, and body type.
• Physical activity: Moderate exercise helps maintain a healthy body weight and overall balance.
• Hygiene: Proper food and household hygiene helps reduce the presence of pathogenic organisms in our environment.
• Tobacco and other drugs: These substances have adverse effects on our health and should be avoided.

Infectious Diseases

Infectious diseases are caused by microorganisms such as bacteria, viruses, parasitic organisms, or certain proteins like prions.

Transmissible Diseases

Infectious diseases can be transmitted from one individual to another.

Epizootic Diseases

Epizootic diseases are infectious diseases in animals that can be transmitted to humans.

Antibiotics

Antibiotics are medicines that damage or destroy bacteria without harming the cells of the organism. Excessive use of antibiotics can lead to antibiotic resistance.

AIDS

AIDS is an infectious disease caused by a virus called HIV (Human Immunodeficiency Virus), which belongs to the retrovirus family. It can be transmitted through sexual contact, blood transfusions, or sharing syringes. HIV enters the bloodstream and spreads throughout the body, primarily targeting leukocytes in lymph nodes.

Seropositive

A seropositive individual is infected with HIV but may not show any symptoms of the disease.

Treatments

There is a large group of drugs capable of turning AIDS into a chronic disease, similar to diabetes. Microbicides are substances that could prevent the transmission of the virus.

Non-infectious Diseases

Non-infectious diseases are caused by the alteration of tissues and organs in the body, which can lead to abnormal function and the onset of disease.

Cancer

Cancer can affect many different organs and people of all ages. Neoplasia is a mass of cells, or tumor, produced by the uncontrolled division of cells. If the tumor remains in a specific tissue, it is considered a benign tumor. If it reaches the bloodstream, it is considered a malignant tumor.