Diseases

Diseases are abnormal medical conditions that negatively affect either the structure or function of a part of an organism other than the immediate external injuries.

• There are two types of diseases, viz—communicable and non-communicable diseases.
• Infectious or communicable diseases are caused by viruses, pathogens, and other parasites that affect the host and can transmit from person to person. In contrast, non-communicable diseases might occur due to exposure to radiation, genetic inheritance, and an unhealthy lifestyle.
• Whenever a disease-causing virus or pathogen enters the body of a host, the body shows two responses to it; clinical and immunologic. 
• The white blood cells, mainly known for the defense against external microorganisms, attack such antigens which may result in different reactions such as fever, cold, headache, sweating, change in the rate of heartbeat, etc.
• Plants also suffer from several diseases which are primarily caused by non-native viral, bacterial, and fungal pathogens. 
• A few of such diseases that cause significant damage are chestnut blight, butternut canker, Dogwood anthracnose, Elm yellows, etc.
• Similarly, diseases are observed in plants and animals. Various bacteria and viruses cause diseases such as Anthrax, Black-quarter, Bluetongue, Pox. Rabies, etc. infect dogs, wolves, and foxes. 
• The most effective and efficient way to prevent diseases is sanitation, proper nutrition, exercise, and self-care. 
• Moreover, different forms of vaccines have been developed to prevent severe diseases like Cholera, Hepatitis A, Hepatitis E, Rabies, Yellow fever.
• Although diseases can be fatal to humans, animals, and plants, their scientific study is useful in other fields of study.
• Knowledge regarding disease-causing pathogens and bacteria helps microbiologist understand the nature and characteristics of various microorganisms.
• Scientific diagnosis of parasites encourages people to take preventive measures for themselves and other animals.
• Diseases have been an essential topic of research and findings in food microbiology as food and water are primary modes of transmission of many infectious diseases.