COMMON BELIEFS

ABOUT THE CAUSES

OF DISEASES
During early times, diseases are believed to be
caused by the following:
• Wrath of an avenging god.
• Influence of magic or malevolent spirits that
inhabited streams, trees, animals, air, and
• land
Purposely or accidentally provoking of any
spirits
Because of these, chants, spells, and amulets were worn to
protect one from disease. Sacrifices were also made to the
gods, taboos were obeyed, and haunted places were avoided.

Today, modern treatments and medicine are used in

protecting oneself from disease. This is due to scientific
General Factors that Influence the Health
Equilibrium
1. Susceptible Host –any person who can be infected by the
pathogen. Though, not all who are exposed to pathogens
can easily get the disease.
2. Pathogens– disease- causing microorganisms. They are so
small that cant be seen by naked eye. They also come in
various shapes, sizes and forms. They can be either be
bacteria, virus, or parasites, It is important to note that these
pathogens are specific
3. Environment for each
–the mode disease.
of transmission or transfer of the
pathogen from an infected person to a new susceptible host.
(airborne, waterborne, or sexual, direct contact or indirect
contact)
 Chain of
Infection
Infectious agents
(bacteria, fungi, virus,
protozoa, rickettsia)
Hosts Reservoirs
(immuno-compromised, age,
(people, equipment, water,
chronic and acute
food)
conditions)
Portals of Entry Portals of Exit
(mucous, membrane, (excretions, secretions,
respiratory,GI, broken skin) blood)
Mode of Transmission
(contact, airborne, vehicle,
vector)
Elements of the Chain of
Infection
A.Causative agents – disease-causing microorganism. They
come in various shapes and sizes and they cause different
diseases.
1. Virus- smallest microorganisms and they can only be
seen using a microscope. They can cause common colds,
influenza, measles, mumps, and chicken pox.
2. Bacteria- bigger than viruses. Can live anywhere: air,
water, and soil.
3. Fungi- plant-like organisms that live and thrive in dark
and moist places.
4. Parasitic worms- largest of microbes and usually live in
bodies of water. ( ex: Amoeba)
Elements of the Chain of
Infection
B. Reservoir or Source – place where causative agents live
and multiply.
C. Mode of Exit– portal where the causative agents leaves its
reservoir
D. Mode of Transmission– way the causative agent is
transferred from the host to another host (direct or indirect
contact)
E. Mode of Entry– portal where the causative agents enters
its new host
F. New Host– anyone who is immune-compromised or prone
to getting diseases like children and old people.
1. susceptible host
2. pathogens
3.mode of exit
4.mode of entry
5.virus
6. fungi
7. reservoir/ source
8.mode of transmission
9.new host
10.