Microbiology and Immunology (CPD Accredited)

Environmental Microbiological and Immunological Diseases are illnesses caused by pathogens (bacteria, viruses, fungi, parasites) or environmental factors (such as pollutants, toxins, or allergens) that affect the human immune system. These diseases are often influenced by environmental factors such as climate, geography, water quality, sanitation, and human activity. Some of these diseases are directly caused by microorganisms, while others involve the immune system's response to environmental triggers like allergens, pollutants, or toxic substances.

Understanding the relationship between the environment, microorganisms, and the immune system is essential for developing effective preventive and therapeutic strategies.

o   Categories of Environmental Microbiological and Immunological Diseases:

o   Infectious Diseases Caused by Environmental Microorganisms

Microorganisms in the environment (soil, water, air) can infect humans and cause a variety of diseases. These diseases can spread through contaminated water, air, food, or direct contact with infected surfaces.

a. Waterborne Diseases

Waterborne pathogens are microorganisms that contaminate water supplies and can cause diseases when humans drink contaminated water, or use it for bathing or food preparation.

Bacterial Infections:

Vibrio cholerae (cholera)

Escherichia coli (E. coli infections)

Salmonella species (salmonellosis)

Shigella species (shigellosis)

Viral Infections:

Hepatitis A virus (HAV)

Norovirus

·Rotavirus

Parasitic Infections:

Giardia lamblia (giardiasis)

Entamoeba histolytica (amoebic dysentery)

Cryptosporidium (cryptosporidiosis)

b. Vector-Borne Diseases

These diseases are caused by pathogens transmitted through the bite of infected arthropods (insects, ticks, etc.)