Introduction to

Communicable Diseases
GIL P. SORIANO, RN, MHPEd
Topic Outline

Definition of Terms
Concepts of Pathogenicity
Immune System
Chain of Infection
Outbreak
Reporting of Communicable Diseases
Communicable Disease

It is defined as an illness caused by an

infectious agent or its toxins, which can be
transmitted directly or indirectly to a well
person. It is caused by either bacteria or
virus.
Theories of Disease Causation

Germ Theory

Miasma Theory
Infection

Is the implantation and successful replication

of an organism in the tissue of the host,
resulting in signs and symptoms as well as
immunologic response
 Contagious
Easily transmitted through direct or
indirect mode
Transmitted via:
a. Airborne-measles, tuberculosis
Infectious
Not easily transmitted
Trasnmitted via
a. Blood transfusion-AIDS, hepatitis B

b. Droplet- pneumonia, hepatitis A, b. Sexual Intercourse-multiple sex

diphtheria partners
1. Bacterial-gonorrhea, syphilis, STD
2. Viral-AIDS, hepatitis B
3. Fungal-Candidiasis
4. Protozooal-Trichomonas vaginalis

c. Contaminated article/equipment-
needles and syringes
d. Vertical transmission
Factors affecting disease
occurrence of a microorganism
Pathogenicity- ability to cause disease
Virulence-is a measure of the degree of
disease that a pathogen causes (disease
severity)
Infectious dose-number of organisms needed
to initiate infection
Viability-ability to survive outside the host
Invasiveness-ability to penetrate the cell
WhyInfection
Occurs?
Bacteria

Simple, one-celled microbes with double cell

membranes that protect them from harm.
They reproduce rapidly and are considered
as the most common cause of fatal infectious
diseases.
Classification of Bacteria

Shape
Need for oxygen
Response to staining
Motility
Tendency to capsulate
Capacity to form spores
 Virus
Fungi
Parasites
Protozoa
Helminthes
Ectoparasites
 Reservoir
Itis a place where
microorganisms can thrive
and reproduce.
Human
Animal
Non-animal
Carrier
Harbors the microorganism and is capable of
transmitting it to a susceptible host but without
signs of infection
Categories:
Incubatory-no signs and symptoms
Convalescent-disease subsided but continue to
shed the organism
Intermittent-occasionally disseminate the infectious
organism
Chronic-carrying the infectious organism for years
 Portal of Exit or Mode of Exit

Itis a place of exit providing

a way for a microorganism to
leave the reservoir.
Principal portals of exit are:
respiratory system,
genitourinary system,
gastrointestinal tract, skin
and mucous membrane,
placenta.
 Mode of Transmission
Itis a method of
transfer by which the
microorganism moves
or is carried from one
place to another or from
reservoir to a
susceptible host.
Modes of Transmission
Modes of Transmission

Vector borne
Mosquitoes, flies, ticks
Vertical Transmission
Vehicle Route
Food, Water, Drugs, Blood
 Portal of Entry
It may be any opening
allowing the
microorganism to enter
the host.
It is within the same
system of portals of exit.
 Susceptible Host
Itis an individual who cannot
resist a microorganism invading
the body, multiplying and
resulting infection.
HOST- a person susceptible to
disease, lacking physical
resistance to overcome the
invasion of the pathogenic
organism.
Host Factors
Age, sex, genetics
Nutritional status, fitness, environmental factors
General physical, mental and emotional health
Absent or abnormal Ig
Status of hematopoietic system
Presence of underlying disease
Patient treated with certain antimicrobials,
corticosteroids, radiation and immunosuppressive
agents
Outbreak

Sporadic-occur occasionally and irregularly

with no specific pattern.
Epidemic-occur in a greater number than
what is expected in a specific area over a
specific time.
Pandemic-epidemic that affects several
countries
Endemic-present in a population or
community at times.
Reporting of Communicable
Diseases
RA 3573-report any occurrence and
incidence of communicable disease (PHWs)

5 communicable diseases to be reported

weekly and monthly
Rabies
Measles
Polio
Neonatal Tetanus
STDs
Public Health Workers

Medical Officer/ Physician

Public Health Nurse
Rural Health Midwife
Dentist
Nutritionist
Medical Technologist
Pharmacist
Rural Sanitary Inspector
References

Mondejar-Navales, D. (2014). Handbook of

Common Communicable and Infectious
Diseases. South Triangle, Quezon City: C &
E Publishing, Inc.
Smeltzer, S., Bare, B., Hinkle, J. & Cheever.
(2008). Brunner & Suddarths Textbook of
Medical-Surgical Nursing. Lippincott William
& Wilkins
THANK YOU!!!