14.0     INTRODUCTION

Microorganisms are tiny living organisms that can only be seen under a microscope. They include bacteria, viruses, fungi, protozoa, and algae.

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GROUPS OF MICROORGANISMS

• Bacteria: Single -celled organisms that can be beneficial (like those in our gut) or harmful (pathogenic bacteria causing diseases).
• Viruses: Non-cellular entities that require a host cell to replicate. They can cause diseases like influenza and HIV/AIDS.
• Fungi: Includes yeasts and moulds. Some fungi are beneficial (like those used in baking) while others can cause infections (like athlete’s foot).
• Protozoa: Single -celled organisms that can be free-living or parasitic. Examples include amoeba and malaria-causing Plasmodium.

14.1     CARRIERS OF MICROORGANISMS

Carriers of micro-organisms, known as vectors, are organisms that transmit pathogens from one host to another. Examples include mosquitoes (which carry malaria) and ticks (which can transmit Lyme disease).

CARRIERS OF MICROORGANISMS AND THE DISEASE CAUSED

• Tse-Tse Fly – Characteristics: Large, biting flies with a slender body; found in Sub-Saharan Africa.
• Diseases Transmitted: African Sleeping Sickness – Caused by Trypanosoma; symptoms include fever, headaches, and neurological issues.
• Housefly (Muscadomestica) – Characteristics: Common small flies with greyish bodies; thrive in decaying organic matter.
• Diseases Transmitted: Foodborne Illnesses: Transmits bacteria like Salmonella and E. coli, leading to gastrointestinal diseases. Can also spread cholera and dysentery.
• Aedes Mosquitoes – Characteristics: Aedes mosquitoes are small, dark mosquitoes with white markings on their legs and a lyre-shaped pattern on their thorax.
• Disease Transmitted – Yellow Fever: A viral disease that can cause fever, chills, loss of appetite, and can lead to severe liver damage.

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          14.2     SEXUALLY TRANSMITTED DISEASES (STDS)

Sexually transmitted diseases are infections caused by bacteria, viruses, or parasites that are infections that are primarily transmitted through sexual activity, including vaginal, anal and oral sex.

TYPES OF SEXUALLY TRANSMITTED DISEASES

• Chlamydia: Caused by the bacterium Chlamydia trachomatis; often asymptomatic but can lead to serious reproductive issues if untreated.
• Gonorrhea: Caused by Neisseria gonorrhoeae; symptoms include painful urination and discharge; can lead to infertility.
• Syphilis: Caused by Treponema pallidum; progresses through stages (primary, secondary, latent, and tertiary) and can cause severe health issues if untreated.
• HIV/AIDS: Human Immuno-deficiency Virus attacks the immune system; if untreated, it can lead to Acquired Immune deficiency Syndrome (AIDS).

TRANSMISSION OF SEXUALLY TRANSMITTED DISEASES – STDs can be transmitted through sexual contact, sharing of unsterilized syringe, needles & sharp objects, and from mother to child during childbirth.

SYMPTOMS OF SEXUALLY TRANSMITTED DISEASES – Symptoms may include unusual discharge, itching, pain during intercourse, and sores; however, many individuals may not exhibit symptoms.

COMPLICATIONS OF SEXUALLY TRANSMITTED DISEASES – Untreated STDs can lead to serious health issues, including infertility, chronic pain, and increased risk of HIV transmission.