A cyclist in Kampala city riding through the empty streets
A virus is a very small microscopic non cellular particle that infects cells in order to multiply. They are made up of a genetic material (DNA or RNA) surrounded by a protein coat.
Viruses are not classified under any of the five kingdoms because they are nonliving. However, though viruses are not living things, they exist in nature.
Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV)
HIV (Human Immunodeficiency Virus) is what causes AIDS (Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome) disease. The virus weakens the immune system of the infected person making it easy to catch diseases e.g. TB (tuberculosis)
The ABC method of HIV prevention where A- Abstinence, B- Be faithful to one partner, C- Condom use.
You only prevent what you don't have therefore Abstinence is the best method for a student.
Ebola virus
- Ebola is a severe and often deadly viral illness caused by the Ebola virus.
- It is a hemorrhagic fever, meaning it can cause bleeding and damage to the body's organs
Transmission:
Ebola is spread through:
- Direct contact with infected bodily fluids (blood, sweat, saliva, etc.)
- Contact with contaminated objects or surfaces
- Contact with infected animals (such as fruit bats)
Symptoms:
- Fever
- Headache
- Muscle pain
- Fatigue
- Diarrhea
- Vomiting
- Abdominal pain
- Bleeding or bruising
Ebola is but not limited to sanitation, and has gone on to affect Uganda and Democratic Reoublic of Congo more often.
As a scientist it's your responsibility to combat such endemics in your community.
The cassava mosaic virus affects the tubers of the plant resulting in low crop yields. This virus causes the cassava mosaic virus disease. It can be recognized on the cassava leaves which have spots ranging from light green to yellow. The disease is transmitted from plant to plant by the whitefly.
This disease cannot be cured but it can be avoided. The cassava mosaic virus disease can be prevented by the use of cuttings which have not been attacked by the virus. Farmers are particularly encouraged to plant varieties which are resistant to the disease.
Have you ever shared a jersey with a friend during a football match??
Hepatitis B
Hepatitis is a group of infectious diseases affecting the liver, causing inflammation and damage
Symptoms:
- Fatigue
- Nausea and vomiting
- Abdominal pain
- Dark urine
- Pale stools
- Yellowing of skin and eyes (jaundice)
Prevention:
1. Vaccination (HAV, HBV)
2. Practice safe sex
3. Avoid sharing needles
4. Use sterile equipment for tattoos/piercings
5. Avoid undercooked meat
6. Maintain good hygiene
7. Avoid close contact with infected individuals
Complications:
1. Chronic liver disease
2. Cirrhosis
3. Liver cancer
4. Liver failure
Diagnosis:
1. Blood tests (enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, PCR)
2. Liver function tests
3. Imaging tests (ultrasound, CT scan)
HOW ARE YOU GOING TO STOP THE SPREAD OF HEPATITIS B IN YOUR COMMUNITY??
Comparing the characteristics of a virus and bacterium
What you need
Chart comparing viruses to bacteria
Pen/pencil
Biology textbooks
Notebook
Internet
study the char provided and answer questions that follow
TASK:
Compare bacteria and viruses using the information on the chart
Read, discuss and write down short notes on common diseases caused by bacteria and viruses in humans, plants and other animals
Viruses
Viruses though not living things exist in nature. Viruses are not classified under any of the five kingdoms. A virus is a very small microscopic biological particle that infects cells. Like other living cells, a virus has genetic materials and multiplies inside living cells. Viruses can infect and cause deadly diseases to humans, plants and other organisms, for example, AIDS, Hepatitis B and Ebola in man, Cassava Mosaic in cassava plants.