Co-Infections and Disease Interactions Flashcards

1️⃣ Familiarise yourself with the flashcards:

  • Look through all the flashcards to see what's on both sides.
  • Make sure you understand the information on each card. If something's unclear, click the link to the revision notes at the bottom of the page for more details.

2️⃣ Test yourself:

  • Look at the question or prompt on each card and try to remember the answer before flipping it over.
  • Check the answer and make a note of any cards you find challenging and need to go over more.

3️⃣ Consistently Review and Practice:

  • Use spaced repetition: spend more time on the cards you struggle with and go over them more often.
  • Regularly review all the flashcards to help you better understand and retain the information over time.

Note: We may include questions that have multiple correct answers. It's useful to remember specific examples to understand these concepts better.

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What is a co-infection?

A co-infection is when a person has two or more infections at the same time.

What is meant by disease interaction?

Disease interaction is when one disease changes how likely you are to get another disease. It can also change how severe the other disease is.

How can a disease that weakens the immune system lead to co-infections?

If the immune system is weak, it cannot kill pathogens well. Other infections can then get in more easily.

How does HIV infection increase the risk of tuberculosis (TB)?

HIV destroys some white blood cells. The body then cannot fight TB bacteria well, so TB is more likely and more severe.

How can infection with human papillomavirus (HPV) lead to cervical cancer?

HPV infects cells in the cervix. It can make them divide in an uncontrolled way. This can cause cervical cancer.

How can some viral infections lead to cancers?

Some viruses live inside body cells. They can damage the DNA in these cells. This can trigger cancers, such as cervical cancer.

How can immune reactions to an infection cause other health problems like allergies?

Sometimes the immune system overreacts after an infection. This can lead to allergies such as skin rashes or asthma.

How can having a serious long-term disease affect a person’s mental health?

A long-term physical illness can cause stress and sadness. It may lead to mental health conditions, such as depression.

How can one disease in a plant make it more likely to get other diseases?

The first disease can damage the plant’s leaves and stem and reduce photosynthesis. This weakens its defences, so other pathogens can infect it more easily.

Why can preventing one disease sometimes reduce the chance of another disease developing?

If you stop the first disease, for example by vaccination, you remove its effects on the body. This might include a weaker immune system or cell damage. Linked diseases are then less likely.

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