Diseases of Man

Running head: DISEASES OF MAN 1
Diseases of Man
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DISEASES OF MAN 2
2017. A) Difference in the following
I) Osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis
Osteoarthritis is a deteriorating condition of the joints that leads to the destruction of the
cushion material at the joints called cartilage as a result of the wear and action or ageing thereby
causing a lot of pain as a result of the joint bones rubbing against each other. On the other hand
rheumatoid arthritis is a chronic inflammation type of autoimmune disease that affects the joint
lining that is the synovium. There are various models as to the cause of the abnormal response of
the immune cells which stem from a genetic predisposition
II) Benign and malignant tumors
Benign tumors are cells which result from the abnormal proliferation of cells lacking the
potential of spreading to the nearby cells, but they can affect organs by for example exerting
weight affecting its physiology while malignant tumors are cancerous cells that divide
uncontrollably invading the adjacent cells through the blood and lymphatic system a good
example is a leukemia.
III) Bacteria and viruses
A bacterium is prokaryotic that is a single-celled microorganism that exists abundantly in
both the living and nonliving hosts as well as other places of the earth with both harmful and
beneficial impacts. Contrary, viruses are an acellular microorganism that survives while only in a
living host whereby they cause illness and evoke an immune response in the hosts. Bacteria are
living organisms while scientist considers viruses to be nonliving.
B) Discuss the differences between hepatitis A, B and C describing how each is transmitted
and its prevention

DISEASES OF MAN 3
Hepatitis is an infection caused by a viral microorganism that causes the inflammation of
the liver. There are three types of hepatitis namely A, B and C based on the kind of virus, a
channel of transmission, natural history and treatment procedures.
Hepatitis A results from food and water RNA virus infection. The virus infection occurs
through water and food consumed and after an incubation span of 3-6 weeks prodromal
symptoms such as fever, lethargy, joint pains and body ache manifest. The disease leads to the
yellowish discoloration of the eyes as well as the liver, spleen and the enlargement of the spleen.
The preventive measures include passive immunization with antibodies that last for three months
especially for travelers to tropical countries. Also, there is a one-year immunization using a
purified protein that can last for ten years with the use of a booster. Moreover, it can be
prevented through support by observing food hygiene, avoid the sharing of crockery, water
hygiene, avoid alcohol use and maintaining renal function.
Hepatitis B is blood borne caused by a DNA virus and can be transmitted through blood
during blood transfusion, unprotected sexual intercourse, hemodialysis and intravenous drug
abuse. Its prodromal symptoms include lethargy and fever which often manifest after an
incubation period of 1-6 months. The treatment is supportive, and abstinence from alcohol use is
vital.
Hepatitis C is caused by RNA virus, and it is blood borne. Some of the predisposing
factors are intravenous drug abuse, blood transfusion, unprotected sexual intercourse and
hemodialysis. Its symptoms are like those of hepatitis B, and chronic hepatitis is very common
with this infection. The disease can be prevented through avoiding of sharing of sharp items such
as needles and practicing safe sex.

DISEASES OF MAN 4
C) (I) Define blood pressure
Blood pressure is the force against the wall of blood vessels that enhances the movement
of blood from the heart to other parts of the body as a result of the diastolic and systolic actions
of the heart.
(II) What is hypertension?
Hypertension is the elevated pressure of the heart essentially referred to as high blood
pressure which often a predisposing factor for heart disease and stroke.
Describe the causes of hypertension and the clinical risks associated with it
One type of hypertension, primary hypertension has no identifiable objects but it is
associated with age whereby as one gets older the flexibility of the arteries reduces as deposition
along the walls increases of the blood vessels increases leading to high blood pressure. The
secondary hypertension is caused by a variety of underlying conditions, and it often occurs
suddenly. Some of such conditions include; thyroid issues, obstructive sleep apnea, adrenal gland
tumors, blood defects, medications such as birth control pills, use of illegal drugs such as
cocaine.
The following are the clinical risks associated with hypertension;
Age, hypertension prevalence increases with increase in the age whereby at about 64
years most men develop the disease while women develop it at the age of 65.
The other factor is the race for hypertension is prevalent among persons of African
heritage as compared to the whites.