1

TUBERCULOSIS

DESCRIPTION:
Tuberculosis (TB) is caused by a bacterium called Mycobacterium tuberculosis. The
bacteria usually attack the lungs, but TB bacteria can attack any part of the body such as the
kidney, spine, and brain. If not treated properly, TB disemase can be fatal. TB is spread through
the air from one person to another.

MODE OF TRANSMISSION:
It can be transmitted in an airborne contact through coughing and sneezing.

PREVENTION AND CONTROL:

It is important to detect cases and treat them accordingly:
Direct sputum smear microscopy (DSSM) – is fundamental to the detection of
infectious cases and is recommended for case finding among adults and children who
can expectorate.
Tuberculin skin test (TST) – a basic screening tool for TB infection among children using
purified protein derivative (PPD) tuberculin solution to trigger a delayed hypersensitivity
reaction among those previously infected.
TB culture and drug susceptibility test (DST) – is a routine diagnostic test for drug-
resistant TB cases under the NTP.
Directly Observed Treatment (DOT) – is a method developed to ensure treatment compliance
by providing constant and motivational supervision to TB patients. It works by having a
responsible person, referred to as treatment partner, watch the TB patient take anti-TB drugs
every day during the whole course of treatment.

TREATMENT AND MEDICATION:

1. Fixed-dose combination (FDCs) – A 2-, 3-, or 4- drug fixed-dose combinations, namely:
Isoniazid-Rifampicin (HR), Isoniazid-Rifampicin-Ethambutol (HRE) and Isoniazid-
Rifampicin-Pyrazinamide-Ethambutol (HRZE). A two or more first-line anti-TB drugs are
combined in one tablet.
2. Single drug formulation (SDF) – each drug is prepared individually, either as tablet,
capsule, syrup or injectable (streptomycin) form. Anti-TB treatment regimen shall be
based on anatomical site, and bacteriologic status including drug resistance and history
of prior treatment.

ROLE OF IMMUNE SYSTEM:

Infection with Mycobacterium tuberculosis often causes no symptoms, since the person’s
immune system acts to wall off the bacteria. When in the lungs, M. tuberculosis is taken up by
alveolar macrophages, but they are unable to digest and eradicate the bacterium. Its cell wall
prevents the fusion of the phagosome with the lysosome, which contains a host of anti-
mycobacterial factors.
 2

MALARIA

DESCRIPTION:
Malaria is a parasitic infectious disease caused by protozoan parasites of the genus
Plasmodium and is transmitted by mosquitoes. It is characterized by recurrent symptoms of
chills, fever and generalized body pain, the four Plasmodium species of human malaria are: P.
falciparum, P. vivax, P. ovale and P. malariae.

MODE OF TRANSMISSION:
Human acquire malaria from sporozoites transmitted by the bite of an infected female
anopheline mosquito. It can also be transmitted through the use of contaminated needles from
the infected person and organ transplant.

PREVENTION AND CONTROL:

Parasitological diagnosis – required for confirmation of the diagnosis of malaria. It is
recommended for all suspected malaria cases in all transmission settings.
Malaria rapid diagnostic tests (RDTs) – detects malaria-specific antigens derived from
the blood stages of malaria parasites. It provides a useful support to clinical diagnosis of
malaria and a valid alternative to microscopy for the clinical diagnosis of uncomplicated
malaria.
Insecticide-treated bed nets (ITNs) – form of personal protection that has been shown to
reduce malaria illness, sever disease and death due to malaria in endemic regions.

TREATMENT AND MEDICATION:

Treatment of uncomplicated Falciparum Malaria:
Artemether plus lumefantrine
Artesunat plus amodiaquine
Artesunate plus mefloquine
Artesunate plus sulfadoxine-pyrimethamine
Dihydroartemisinin plus piperaquine
Treatment for Uncomplicaed Non-Falciparum Malaria:
Oral chloroquine
Prophylaxis against Malaria:
Chloroquine
Chloroquine + proguanil
Avotaguone-proguanil, deoxycycline or mefloquine

ROLE OF IMMUNE SYSTEM:

The sporozoites travel through the bloodstream to the liver within about 30 minutes,
where they invade hepatocytes and mature to become tissue schizonts. They amplify the
infection by producing large numbers of merozoites (10,000 - 30,000) from each sporozoites-
infected hepatocyte. Each merozoite released from the liver is capable of infecting a human red
blood cell and establishing the asexual life cycle of replication in the red blood cells.
 3

DENGUE

DESCRIPTION:
Dengue Fever is a disease caused by any one of five closely related dengue viruses
(DENV 1, DENV 2, DENV 3, DENV 4 and DENV 5). The viruses are transmitted to humans by
the bite of an infected mosquito. It is estimated that there are over 100 million cases of dengue
worldwide each year.

MODE OF TRANSMISSION:
It can be transmitted to people by the bites of an Aedes mosquito that is infected with a
dengue virus. It cannot spread directly from person to person.

PREVENTION AND CONTROL:

There is no vaccine for preventing dengue. The best preventive measure especially to
the residents living in areas infested with Ae. aegypti is to eliminate the places where the
mosquito lays her eggs, primarily artificial containers that hold water. Immunization called
Dengvaxia can be one to prevent and control cases of dengue.

TREATMENT AND MEDICATION:

There is no specific treatment for Dengue. Drinking plenty of fluids can be one to avoid
dehydration from vomiting and high fever. Acetaminophen can be one to alleviate pain and
reduce fever. For severe dengue fever, you need to have a supportive care in a hospital, IV fluid
and electrolyte replacement, blood pressure monitoring and transfusion to replace blood loss.

ROLE OF IMMUNE SYSTEM:

When a mosquito carrying dengue virus bites a person, the virus enters the skin together
with the mosquito’s saliva. It binds to and enters white blood cells, and reproduces inside the
cells while they move throughout the body. The white blood cells respond by producing a number
of signaling proteins which are responsible for many symptoms. As a result, less blood circulates
in to the blood vessels, and the blood pressure becomes so low that it cannot supply sufficient
blood to vital organs.
 4

RABIES

DESCRIPTION:
Rabies is a zoonotic disease and human infection caused by Lyssavirus, usually
occurring after a transdermal bite or scratch by an infected animal.

MODE OF TRANSMISSION:
Bites from infected animal are the most common mode of transmission of rabies.
Transmission may occur when infectious material, like the saliva, comes into direct contact with
the victim’s mucosa or fresh skin lesions. Very rarely, it may occur through inhalation of virus-
containing aerosol or via infected organ transplant.

PREVENTION AND CONTROL:

Pre-exposure immunization – recommended for people in certain high-risk occupations
such as laboratory workers dealing with live rabies and other rabies.
Animal vaccination
Intradermal (ID) regimen – an active immunization in managing rabies exposures/
animal bites.

TREATMENT AND MEDICATION:

Post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP) – after being directly exposed to a suspected animal,
this should be received and should not be delay for any reason regardless of interval
between exposure and consultation as it increases the risk of rabies.
Rabies Immunoglobulin (RIG) – combination with rabies vaccine to provide the
immediate availability of neutralizing antibodies at the site of the exposure. It is given to
patients with Category III exposures.

ROLE OF IMMUNE SYSTEM:

After inoculation, the rabies virus multiplies in the muscle cells (myocytes) or may invade
the nerve directly without prior multiplication in the myocytes. It is possible that the rabies virus
may persist locally at the site of inoculation for an unspecified period of time. This could explain
the long incubation period for some rabies infections. The virus penetrates the peripheral nerve
cells via viral uptake at neuronal endings. The virus is transported through both the sensory and
motor nerve fibers to the central nervous system (CNS).
 5

GONORRHEA

DESCRIPTION:
Gonorrhea is also known as a “the clap”, this infection is caused by the bacterium
Neisseria gonnorheae. In men, a burning sensation with urination and penile discharge are its
symptoms. In women, asymptomatic half of the time or have vaginal discharge and pelvic pain
are its symptoms. It is left untreated and it may spread locally causing inflammation of the
epididymis or pelvic inflammatory disease.

MODE OF TRANSMISSION:
It can be transmitted through sexual contact, including oral, anal and vaginal intercourse.

PREVENTION AND CONTROL:

Use of condom
Limit the number of sex partners
Consider regular gonorrhea screening

TREATMENT AND MEDICATION:

Ceftriaxone (Rocephin) – combination with either azithromycine or doxycycline
Gemifloxacin (Factive)
Oral Azithromycin (Zithromax)

ROLE OF IMMUNE SYSTEM:

Gonorrhea can cause an overwhelming immune response not only the bacteria, but also
to the surrounding tissue. In Gaudet's research, it was found that a type of sugar produced by
Gram-negative bacteria called heptose, could trigger an immune response. Heptose is not made
by humans, so it represents a clear signal that bacteria have invaded the tissues. Such triggers
are called pathogen-associated molecular patterns (PAMPs) that act like flares to alert the
immune system of a harmful presence.

TYPE OF STIGMA:
A lot of sex partners
A partner that is infected with gonorrhea
 6

CHLAMYDIA

DESCRIPTION:
Chlamydia is caused by the bacterium Chlamydia trachomatis. It is a major infectious
cause of human genital and eye disease. It is one of the most common sexually transmitted
infections worldwide.

MODE OF TRANSMISSION:
It can be transmitted during vagina, anal, or oral sex, and can be passed from an infected
mother to her baby during childbirth.

PREVENTION AND CONTROL:

Nucleic acid amplification tests (NAAT)
Polymerase chain reaction (PCR)
Transcription mediated amplification (TMA)
DNA strand displacement amplification (SDA)

TREATMENT AND MEDICATION:

Azithromycin
Doxycycline
Erythromycin
Ofloxacin

ROLE OF IMMUNE SYSTEM:

Once inside, the epithelial cell-surface antigens of the elementary body (EB) appear to
prevent fusion of the endosome with lysosomes, allowing the EB to subsequently reorganize
into the larger, replicative form of the reticulate body (RB). RBs successfully divide by binary
fission, filling the endosome that has now become a chlamydial cytoplasmic inclusion.
Multiplication then ceases after 48–72 hours and nucleoid condensation occurs, enabling the
RBs to transform into infectious EBs. The EBs are released from the cell and target new host
cells for progression of infection.

TYPES OF STIGMA:
Condomless sex with a partner
Sex workers
Man having sex with men
 7

SYPHILIS
DESCRIPTION:
Syphilis is caused by the spirochete bacterium Treponema pallidum. The signs and
symptoms of syphilis vary depending in which of the four stages:
 Primary stage - presents with a single chancre (a firm, painless, non-itchy skin
ulceration)
 Secondary syphilis – presents with a diffuse rash which frequently involves the palms
of the hands and soles of the feet.
 Latent syphilis – has little no symptoms, thus it is define as having serologic proof of
infection without symptoms of disease.
 Tertiary syphilis – represent by the classic presence of gummas, neurological, or
cardiac symptoms.
 Neurosyphilis – an infection involving the central nervous system (CNS).
 Congenital syphilis – transmitted during pregnancy or during birth.

MODE OF TRANSMISSION:
It can be transmitted through sexual contact but it may also be transmitted from mother
to fetus during pregnancy or at birth, resulting in congenital syphilis.

PREVENTION AND CONTROL:

Practice safe sex
Use of condoms
Get screening for STIs

TREATMENT AND MEDICATION:

Intramuscular benzathine penicillin G
Ceftriaxone
Oral doxycycline
Azithromycin

ROLE OF IMMUNE SYSTEM:

The infecting organisms are thought to gain entry through intact mucosal surfaces or
microscopic skin abrasions. Before the onset of clinical manifestations, the bacterium begins to
multiply locally and disseminate from the local site through blood vessels and lymphatics.
Interjunctional penetration of vascular endothelium is believed to be the mechanism by which T.
pallidum gains access to various tissues following hematogenous dissemination.

TYPES OF STIGMA:
Condomless sex with a partner
Sex workers
Man who had sex with men
 8

ACQUIRED IMMUNIDEFICIENCY SYNDROME

(AIDS)
DESCRIPTION:
AIDS is the collection of symptoms and infections associated with acquired deficiency of
the immune system. It is the late stage of HIV infection wherein the immune system is already
weakened and death is imminent. It is caused by the Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV).

MODE OF TRANSMISSION:
It can be transmitted by the transfer of blood, semen, vaginal fluid, pre-ejaculate, or
breastmilk.

PREVENTION AND CONTROL:

Use of condoms every sexual activity Post-exposure prophylaxis
Pre-exposure prophylaxis Abstinence

TREATMENT AND MEDICATION:

Non-nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors (NNRTIs) - off a protein needed by
HIV to make copies of itself. Examples include efavirenz (Sustiva), etravirine (Intelence)
and nevirapine (Viramune).
Nucleoside or nucleotide reverse transcriptase inhibitors (NRTIs) - are faulty
versions of the building blocks that HIV needs to make copies of itself. Examples include
Abacavir (Ziagen), and the combination drugs emtricitabine/tenofovir (Truvada), Descovy
(tenofovir alafenamide/emtricitabine), and lamivudine-zidovudine (Combivir).
Protease inhibitors (PIs) - inactivate HIV protease, another protein that HIV needs to
make copies of itself. Examples include atazanavir (Reyataz), darunavir (Prezista),
fosamprenavir (Lexiva) and indinavir (Crixivan).
Entry or fusion inhibitors - Tblock HIV's entry into CD4 T cells. Examples include
enfuvirtide (Fuzeon) and maraviroc (Selzentry).
Integrase inhibitors - work by disabling a protein called integrase, which HIV uses to
insert its genetic material into CD4 T cells. Examples include raltegravir (Isentress) and
dolutegravir (Tivicay).

ROLE OF IMMUNE SYSTEM:

HIV is present as both free virus particles and virus within infected immune cells. HIV
infects vital cells in the human immune system such as helper T cells (CD4+ T cells,
macrophages and dendritic cells. It leads to low levels of CD4+ T cells through a number of
mechanisms, including apoptosis of uninfected bystander cells. When CD4+ T cell numbers
decline below a critical level, cell-mediated immunity is lost, and the body becomes progressively
more susceptible to opportunistic infection.

TYPES OF STIGMA:
Sex workers
Condomless sexual activity to an infected person
Man having sex with men

COMMUNIC
ABLE
DISEASES
Submitted by: CAMPO, SHYNNE G.
SEXUALLY
TRASMITTE

D DISEASES
Submitted by: CAMPO, SHYNNE G.